US siblings become NZ refugees as more than 20 Americans claim asylum

Government figures show more than 20 Americans have applied for asylum in New Zealand since 2020 - and at least one family was accepted.Failed US appeals have centred on fears of gun crime, the environment and political climate.Two American asylum claims of a brother and sister were successfully appealed, because of concerns their dual US/Jordan nationalities would lead them into harm.Their Jordanian mother had been granted refugee status in New Zealand after she was repeatedly assaulted by her husband while living here, and treated as a servant by his extended family while living in Jordan.She did not have US citizenship and so could not move there with her 11-year-old son and seven-year-old daughter. She and her husband had divorced, and she had custody of their children.The tribunal rul