New legal regulations for seeking asylum in the United States

Current US legislation deems those who cross the southern border irregularly “unsuitable for asylum,” with a few exceptions.

This limitation is part of a new legal framework for immigration issues, in effect since May 11 (after the famous Title 42 expired).

Almost a month after the completion of the controversial measure approved by Donald Trump, how has the scenario changed at the Mexico-US border? What is the legal way to apply for asylum in the United States today? Who is eligible to become an asylum seeker?

New procedure for asylum in the United States

The CBP One mobile app is the primary way to process asylum applications. The digital tool allows immigrants to schedule appointments with US immigration officials.

The government has created the conditions for providing about 1,000 daily interviews through the aforementioned mechanism. It stated that it could increase the amount, depending on its logistical capabilities.

At the same time, the government declares that those who decide to ignore the legal procedure are “unfit to seek asylum” and cross the southern border irregularly.

Only immigrants who sought asylum in a third country on their journey to the United States, without obtaining it, are exempt from the penalty. And also those who demonstrate a technological or linguistic impossibility to reach the CBP One application in a timely manner.

Consequences for immigration offenders

Immigrants who are declared “ineligible for asylum” in the United States may face a ban from entering the country for five years, as well as deportation proceedings.

Among these, those who are arrested in another illegal attempt to gain access to US soil, may receive criminal charges and prison sentences.

In fact, the US government has already increased the number of deportation flights to countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. In addition, it agreed with Mexico to send up to 30,000 national immigrants from Venezuela, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Cuba to this nation per month.

Taking refuge in real fear: another special case

The new immigration law in the United States maintains the recognition of “true fear asylum”.

Illegal immigrants who are caught crossing the border can request this. Immigration officials review the applications and decide who to give them the opportunity to present their case while in detention.

“We will be deploying about 1,000 asylum officers to conduct credible fear interviews at the border,” US government officials told reporters, starting May 11.

In addition, the national authorities have reinforced the southern border with about 24,000 members of the security forces and about 400 volunteers.