In an effort to reduce the country’s enormous asylum backlog, the United States has implemented a new regulation that allows petitioners to submit US asylum claims to immigration courts without first attending an interview.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the modification following a statement from the Department of Homeland Security.
Under the current system, USCIS processes “affirmative” asylum applications from individuals outside removal proceedings, while DOJ immigration judges adjudicate “defensive” claims from those already facing removal proceedings.
Depending on the applicant’s immigration status, USCIS may decide on the asylum claim or refer it to an immigration judge. DHS notes that when officials transfer a case to a court, the court can review the application again, giving the applicant a second chance to request asylum.
The new interim final rule allows USCIS to forward claims straight to immigration courts without an initial applicant interview.
DHS expects the change to lower the total time asylum officers and immigration courts need to process cases while helping USCIS address the backlog.
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow stated that some applicants have manipulated the system for motives other than seeking refuge.
He said, “For far too long the asylum system has been exploited for purposes of delay and work authorization, not legitimate claims of protection.”
According to DHS General Counsel James Percival, delays in immigration processes have made enforcement activities more challenging.
“One of the greatest barriers to effective immigration enforcement is intentional delay by illegal aliens and the open borders attorneys who represent them,” DHS General Counsel James Percival added.
Meanwhile, the new rule begins effective immediately. USCIS will take public comments on the interim rule before releasing a final version that incorporates the feedback.
Backstory…
In recent months, Washington has rolled out a series of tougher measures affecting foreign nationals, including Nigerians, such as tightening visa issuance, warning of immigration penalties for visa overstays, suspending routine visa processing at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja as part of a continent-wide restructuring, and increasing scrutiny of visa applicants through stricter document verification requirements.
Meanwhile the recent policy comes just a month after the United Kingdom Home Office, announced that asylum seekers will have to pay about £10,000 (approximately ₦18 million) to qualify for settlement.
Home secretary, Shabana Mahmood made the announcement in July, while also notingthat asylum seekers in the UK have become a financial burden on the taxpayer.
Read Also: Fresh UK Immigration Policy Hits Asylum Seekers With £10,000 Fee
