Miami, Florida – There is a growing push for immigration reform in the United States, with both Republicans and Democrats acknowledging the need for change. However, there is a sharp divide on the specifics of the reform.
A significant increase in illegal border crossings since 2020 has placed immense pressure on the current asylum system. This system is designed to provide life-saving relief for noncitizens who fear the dangers of returning to their home countries. However, undocumented migrants entering the U.S. have limited legal options to stay in the country. For many fleeing violence, war, government collapse, natural disasters, or personal threats, seeking asylum is often the only viable pathway to immigrate to the U.S.
Conservative Republicans in Congress are now proposing legal changes that would make it more difficult for most applicants to obtain asylum. This plan is similar to a rule adopted by the Department of Homeland Security in 2019 and a policy that President Joe Biden is currently advocating for.
The power to change the law lies with Congress, not the president. If lawmakers succeed in amending federal asylum law, the new laws would have the authority to override previous court decisions. Given that immigration falls under the broad purview of Congress, it is likely that these new laws would hold up in court.
Currently, the majority of asylum seekers do not receive permission to stay in the U.S. and are ultimately deported. The process for applying for asylum is complex and can take several years, often with asylum seekers applying while detained in immigration centers.
To be granted asylum, applicants must provide evidence that they face severe harm in their home countries due to factors such as race, religion, political opinion, nationality, or other immutable characteristics. Asylum seekers present their case to a government asylum officer in an initial interview, and if they pass this stage, they are allowed to seek asylum before an immigration judge. However, gathering the necessary evidence to support their claims can be challenging, and legal representation is often necessary.
Even when an applicant meets all the requirements for asylum, it is ultimately up to a judge’s discretion whether they are granted asylum. If granted, asylum seekers can apply for U.S. green cards, which provide legal permission to remain in the country and eventual eligibility for citizenship.
However, there is a growing backlog of asylum cases in immigration courts, exacerbated by the increasing number of undocumented migrants crossing into the U.S. from countries experiencing government instability and violence. Asylum cases in immigration courts have more than tripled between 2021 and 2022, and the backlog of cases waiting to go before a judge now stands at 1 million.
Conservative House Republicans are now threatening a government shutdown to push for changes to asylum laws. They are also using their power over foreign aid to Ukraine and Israel as leverage. President Biden, on the other hand, is calling for Congress to approve funding for more border security agents, asylum officers, and immigration judges.
Republicans are proposing new laws that would deny asylum to migrants who passed through a third country while traveling to the U.S. or who did not enter the U.S. at an official port of entry along the border. These changes primarily target migrants coming from countries other than Mexico, such as Venezuela, Haiti, and Cuba, who often pass through Mexico on their way to the U.S. If passed, the proposed law would effectively prevent these migrants from having their asylum applications considered and result in immediate deportation.
Democrats have expressed opposition to these changes in the past but may be open to compromises on asylum restrictions to reach a deal. It is worth noting that similar policies have previously been proposed and struck down by the courts.
In conclusion, the debate over immigration reform and asylum laws in the U.S. continues to evolve, with Republicans pushing for stricter restrictions while Democrats advocate for more resources to address the increasing number of asylum-seeking migrants. The final outcome remains uncertain, but the implications for millions of migrants seeking refuge in the U.S. are significant.