Many of the survivors may not be getting the assistance they need. Other survivors of torture remain abroad. they deserve effective treatment as well. The "Survivors of Torture Support Act" makes changes in U.S. immigration policy to account for the special needs of torture survivors. This bill designates torture victims as refugees of special humanitarian concern. It ensures expedited processing for asylum applicants who present credible claims of subjection to torture. It also establishes procedures for taking into account the effects of torture in the adjudication of such claims. This bill grants the presumption that such applicants shall not be detained while their asylum claims are pending. and provides exemption from expedited removal procedures for individuals in danger of being subjected to torture. Many times. torture survivors are not identified by U.S. officials because consular. immigration. and also asylum personnel have not received adequate training in either the identification of evidence of torture or the techniques for interviewing torture victims. The "Survivors of Torture Support Act" requires that the Attorney General and the Secretary of State provide training necessary for these officials to iecognize the effects of torture on victims. and the way this can affect the interview or hearing process. It also requires special training in interview techniques. so that survivors of torture are not traumatized by this experience.
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refugees asylum applicants asylum claims immigration