Asylum

Suspected Fraud Hits Asylum Seeker in Utah: A Harrowing Tale of Fake Court Hearings and Phony Lawyers

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Salt Lake City, Utah – Wendy, an immigrant from Peru, was determined to achieve asylum in the United States. Driven by that hope, she unknowingly fell into a scam, paying hundreds of dollars under fraudulent pretenses. Believing she was navigating through the legal channels required to secure her status, Wendy followed the guidance of a supposed attorney, paying a total of $900 through Western Union for what she thought were standard fees associated with her immigration process. Using modern technology platforms like WhatsApp for communication and Webex for what was believed to be her court … Read more

Dutch Judiciary Calls for Pause on Asylum Law Changes Amid EU Pact Rollout and Rising Concerns at Local Reception Centers

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The Hague, Netherlands — The Council for the Judiciary in the Netherlands has raised concerns about the proposed new asylum laws, urging the government to hold off on implementation until the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum comes into effect in 2026. Their apprehension revolves around potential significant impacts on the judiciary system due to these changes, with the new legislation expected to overhaul the national asylum system entirely. This plea from the judiciary aligns with other voices of concern in the nation regarding migration and asylum policies. One such voice is from the Inspectorate … Read more

Belarus Grants Asylum to Former Polish Judge Accused of Espionage, Deepening International Tensions

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TALLINN, Estonia — Belarus has granted asylum to Tomasz Szmydt, a former Polish judge facing espionage charges in Poland, asserting his persecution was politically motivated. Szmydt defected to Belarus, a close ally of the Kremlin, in May, sparking controversy and intense scrutiny into his rapid career progression within the Polish legal system. President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus, known for his autocratic leadership, issued the decree on Friday. This development places further strain on Belarus’ relations with European Union and NATO member states, including Poland, which has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine amidst ongoing conflicts … Read more

Justice or Lottery? Vital Role of Judge Assignments in Asylum Case Outcomes Highlights Inequities in U.S. Immigration Courts

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Minneapolis, MN — In the sprawling halls of Fort Snelling immigration court, the fates of asylum seekers such as Fernanda from Ecuador hinge not just on their harrowing stories but also, significantly, on which judge hears their case. Fernanda, cradling her American-born baby, approached Immigration Judge Katherine L. Hansen with uncertainty, admitting her unfamiliarity with the asylum process. Meanwhile, a Mexican immigrant pleaded his case before Immigration Judge Monte G. Miller, apologizing for his illegal entry due to safety fears back home. The outcomes of these cases often depend starkly on the judge assigned. Data … Read more