U.S.: Over 1.4 Million Asylum Cases Pending

The U.S. immigration system faces one of its greatest crises: more than 1.4 million asylum cases remain unresolved in immigration courts, according to data from the Department of Justice. This is a historic record that highlights the structural and operational challenges of the current system.

Key Factors Behind the Backlog

The 2024 fiscal year ended with 3.5 million total immigration cases, of which 850,720 involve defensive asylum applications filed by migrants detained while attempting to cross the border and who claim fear of returning to their countries. Additionally, 11,918 applications were affirmative, submitted by individuals who entered the country with a visa or without detection by authorities.

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Experts point out that the system’s saturation is primarily due to the lack of judges and administrative staff to process cases. According to Ariel Ruiz Soto, an analyst at the Migration Policy Institute, this situation hinders both deportations and the adjudication of applications, prolonging uncertainty for thousands of migrants.

Impact on Migrants

A critical aspect of the issue is the lack of legal representation, with 624,000 applicants lacking access to an attorney. This exacerbates their situation, leaving them at a disadvantage in a complex system that requires specialized legal guidance to ensure a fair process.

Decisions and Reforms on the Horizon

The newly elected President Donald Trump plans to declare a national emergency to expedite deportations, using military resources for logistics and administrative support. However, experts warn that implementing mass deportations “on day one” is unlikely due to the logistical and legal complexities of the system.

The Path Toward a Solution

Meanwhile, organizations and activists are calling for comprehensive immigration reform to address delays and ensure more efficient and equitable processes. The future of millions of migrants depends on solutions that balance national security with human rights and international obligations.

The current situation underscores the urgent need for immediate and strategic actions to alleviate the backlog in immigration courts and provide answers to those seeking a new beginning in the United States.

From: https://www.vozdeamerica.com/a/eeuu-millones-casos-asilo-sin-resolver/7868446.html 

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