Is the Asylum Program Due for Reform?

Many immigrants come to the United States seeking a better life. Often, the move comes because they seek refuge from persecution. The legal concept of asylum applies to someone whose health or well-being is threatened by remaining in their homeland.

To obtain asylum status in the US, one must first go through immigration court. The number of cases processed by US immigration court has tripled since 2009. With so many cases, it’s difficult for the court to keep up with demand, and politicians are seeking solutions to the backlog.

Who Qualifies for Asylum?

Under current law, if someone is persecuted in their home country because of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group, they are a candidate for asylum in the US.

Why Such an Increase in Cases?

The last qualification mentioned above — “membership in a particular social group” — is the provision under scrutiny by Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Asylum claims based on safety from gang violence and domestic abuse are common, especially for women and children entering the country. Some judges and legal authorities believe that false claims are clogging the system.

Asylum proponents argue that the increase in cases reflects mounting global problems, such as gang violence in Central America, which force more people to leave their homes.

Seeking Security & a Better Life

The concept of “the American dream” is to find a home where everyone is free from persecution. The asylum system is a direct reflection of that ideal. While it’s currently the subject of high-level discussions about how it functions, anyone who feels unsafe in their home country should consider the program as a possible path toward a better life. A consultation with an experienced immigration attorney can provide specific answers to questions about who qualifies and how to begin the process.