- New DHS Rule Could Affect Nearly 445,000 Pending Cases as Washington Seeks to Clear Asylum Backlog
WASHINGTON: The Trump administration has introduced a major change to the US asylum process that could accelerate the deportation of hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers and reduce the growing backlog of pending cases.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the new rule on Tuesday, saying it is designed to streamline the adjudication process and reduce delays within the immigration system.
Asylum Cases to Bypass Initial Officer Interviews
Under the new policy, certain asylum applications may be referred directly to immigration judges within the Justice Department without first undergoing an interview with an asylum officer from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
DHS said the existing process can effectively provide applicants with an additional opportunity to pursue asylum, contributing to delays in resolving cases.
The department said the new procedure is intended to shorten the overall time required for asylum officers and immigration judges to reach decisions.
Nearly 445,000 Cases Could Be Affected
According to DHS, as many as 444,724 cases — approximately 31 percent of the 1.43 million pending asylum cases — could potentially be affected by the new rule.
The administration argues that accelerating the process will allow immigration authorities to focus resources on applicants with legitimate protection claims while reducing opportunities for individuals to use the asylum system primarily to delay removal proceedings or obtain work authorization.
US Officials Defend New Immigration Policy
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow said the asylum system had for too long been exploited for purposes unrelated to genuine protection needs.
“America’s asylum system exists to protect individuals who genuinely fear persecution,” Edlow said, arguing that the new rule would help ensure government resources are focused on the timely adjudication of legitimate asylum claims.
DHS General Counsel James Percival said the measure would improve efficiency while advancing President Donald Trump’s pledge to intensify enforcement against illegal immigration.
Part of Trump’s Broader Deportation Drive
The rule represents the latest step in the Trump administration’s broader campaign to tighten US immigration enforcement and accelerate deportations.
Trump returned to the White House after campaigning on a promise to deport millions of undocumented migrants. Since taking office, his administration has pursued a series of measures aimed at increasing removals, tightening asylum procedures and reducing illegal border crossings.
The new policy is expected to have a significant impact on the processing of asylum claims as the administration seeks to overhaul the US immigration system and reduce one of its largest outstanding case backlogs.
BY: The Times Union
