United States to Review Pending Asylum Applications: Statements by the Secretary of Homeland Security Raise Concerns
In a context of significant adjustments to immigration policy, the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, recently stated that asylum applicants with cases still pending could be subject to deportation proceedings. The statement, issued during a shared Q&A session on the platform X, confirms that the Government is reassessing the asylum system under stricter security criteria.
When asked whether people with pending applications could be deported, Noem responded that the Department of Homeland Security will review each case individually and act in accordance with the law. According to reports from outlets such as The Washington Post, AP News, and The Guardian, the secretary emphasized that all files will be analyzed under the new parameters and that those who do not meet the legal requirements to remain in the country could face removal proceedings.
This approach has generated concern among asylum seekers and specialized organizations, as many families who have followed the established procedures—including obtaining work permits, enrolling their children in school, and receiving medical care—now face a period of uncertainty about the continuity of their cases and the renewal of their documents. Human rights experts have also pointed out potential challenges related to international protection obligations, especially the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning a person to a country where they may be at risk.
As the Department of Homeland Security moves forward with this large-scale review, thousands of applicants remain awaiting clarity about the future of their cases. Noem’s statements confirm that all files will be reevaluated, highlighting that the asylum process is undergoing an important transition phase and still lacks a defined roadmap for those awaiting a resolution.
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