The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice have issued a rule to shorten processing times for non-citizen asylum claims, a March 24 news release said.
It will allow the applications to be considered by asylum officers of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the release reported.
“The current system for handling asylum claims at our borders has long needed repair,” said Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “Through this rule, we are building a more functional and sensible asylum system to ensure individuals who are eligible will receive protection more swiftly, while those who are not eligible will be rapidly removed. We will process claims for asylum or other humanitarian protection in a timely and efficient manner while ensuring due process.”
The release reported the current system has such cases decided only by immigration judges within the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review
"Due to existing court backlogs, the process for hearing and deciding these asylum cases currently takes several years on average," the release stated. "When fully implemented, the reforms and new efficiencies will shorten the process to several months for most asylum applicants covered by this rule."
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland believes the new rule will help reduce the burden on our immigration courts, protect the rights of those fleeing persecution and violence and enable immigration judges to issue removal orders when appropriate.
It also advances the agencies' efforts to ensure asylum claims are processed fairly, expeditiously and consistently with due process, Garland said. The agencies look forward to receiving additional input from stakeholders and the public on this important rule.
