The United States has introduced a new asylum policy that allows immigration authorities to refer certain asylum applications directly to immigration judges without first conducting an interview, as part of efforts to reduce the country’s growing backlog of asylum cases.
The new rule, announced by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), takes effect immediately.
Under the current system, USCIS processes “affirmative” asylum applications submitted by people who are not facing deportation proceedings, while immigration judges under the Department of Justice handle “defensive” asylum claims involving individuals already in removal proceedings.
Previously, applicants whose cases were referred to an immigration judge usually had an interview with a USCIS asylum officer before their cases moved forward. The new rule removes that requirement in some cases, allowing applications to be sent straight to immigration courts.
According to DHS, the change is designed to speed up the asylum process, reduce delays and help immigration officers focus on cases involving people with genuine claims of persecution.
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow said the asylum process had increasingly been exploited by people seeking to delay deportation or obtain work authorisation rather than genuine protection.
“For far too long, the asylum system has been exploited for purposes of delay and work authorisation, not legitimate claims of protection,” Edlow said.
He added that the new policy would ensure government resources are directed towards people who genuinely qualify for asylum instead of those attempting to exploit loopholes in the immigration system.
DHS General Counsel James Percival also defended the policy, saying prolonged immigration cases have made enforcement more difficult.
He accused some undocumented migrants and their legal representatives of deliberately dragging out proceedings, adding that the new rule would improve the efficiency of the immigration system and support the administration’s enforcement objectives.
Although the rule is already in effect, USCIS said it will still receive public comments before issuing a final version that may include adjustments based on feedback.
The policy applies to asylum applicants from all countries, including Nigerians and other foreign nationals seeking protection in the United States.
