[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]People seeking asylum in the United States, especially those from Central America, face new challenges after policy guidelines from the Trump administration and a court ruling were announced this week. The new policy guidelines directs asylum officers conducting interviews to be more skeptical and confrontational with asylum seekers while the court ruling allows the new practice of forcing Central American refugees to remain in Mexico while their asylum case is being heard.
On Tuesday, it was reported by the Washington Post that internal documents and staff emails directed asylum officers to be more aggressive against any perceived problems with an asylum request. Should any discrepancies arise, asylum officers would need to provide detailed justifications if they believe an applicant has a credible fear of returning to their home country. They must also take in to consideration anything said to border agents if it conflicts with any statements during the credible fear interview. This policy change may lead to fewer approvals.
It was also recently reported that the Trump administration is seeking to have U.S. Border Patrol agents conduct their own credible fear interviews. This policy could cause asylum seekers to be deported without the chance to even apply for asylum. There is currently resistance to implementing this policy from immigration advocates and some Border Patrol officials.
Also on Tuesday, a three judge panel on the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals allowed the Trump Administration to keep some Central American asylum seekers in Mexico while their claims are adjudicated in the United States. Back in April, a federal judge issued an injunction preventing the policy from taking effect, but was temporarily stayed by the 9th Circuit judges. The ruling Tuesday granted the stay permanently. While the legal case over the policy has yet to be decided, the Trump administration can continue to keep certain asylum seekers out of the U.S. According to Mexico, the policy has affected over 3,000 Central Americans seeking asylum.
Immigration law has become much more complicated for immigrants, visitors, and people seeking asylum over the past couple of years. The Law Offices of Scott Warmuth has been helping immigrants to the United States since 1984. Our immigration experts seek to simplify the law for our clients. We offer 100 percent free immigration consultations - call us today at 888-517-9888.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
