USCIS Enhances Accessibility with Case Status Online Expansion
Starting August 14, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) changed its policy for processing asylum seekers at the U.S.-Canada border. These changes aim to limit attorney access. They also increase the use of expedited removal. The new rules came after a rise in migrant crossings on the northern border.
Asylum Process Changes
The new policy makes two major changes to speed up the asylum process. These rules apply to people covered by the Safe Third Country Agreement with Canada.
First, during the Threshold Screening Interview (TSI), asylum officers will only consider evidence that is available at the time of the interview. In the past, migrants could delay their screening to get more documents. The new rule now requires applicants to present all testimony and documents during this first interview.
. The consultation period is a minimum of four hours. It only runs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. This strict time limit on legal help could hurt an asylum seeker’s ability to prepare for their interview.
Expedited Removal
The main goal of the new policy is to use expedited removal more often. This process allows immigration officers to quickly deport certain noncitizens without a hearing before an immigration judge. Asylum seekers can still express a fear of persecution to avoid immediate removal. However, the process is very fast. They must have a Credible Fear Interview (CFI) with an asylum officer. If the officer finds no credible fear, the person can be quickly deported. The new policies are designed to make it harder to pass this first screening. This, in turn, increases the number of people who can be placed in expedited removal.
Critics argue that these changes pose risks to due process. Limiting attorney access and speeding up the process could lead to the deportation of people with valid asylum claims. These changes create a faster path to deportation. This is especially true for those who lack the time or resources to get evidence and legal help under the new, stricter rules.
