US Introduces New Asylum Rule Affecting Nigerians, Other Countries

The United States has introduced a new asylum rule that changes how certain applications are processed, allowing immigration authorities to refer cases directly to immigration judges without first conducting an asylum interview.

The new policy, announced by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) following a statement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is aimed at reducing the country’s growing backlog of asylum cases.

Under the previous system, USCIS handled affirmative asylum applications submitted by individuals who were not already facing removal proceedings. Immigration judges under the Department of Justice were responsible for deciding defensive asylum claims involving people already in removal proceedings.

In some cases, USCIS would review an application before referring it to an immigration judge, giving applicants another opportunity to have their claims examined.

With the new interim final rule, USCIS can now send asylum applications directly to immigration judges without first interviewing the applicant. According to DHS, the change is expected to speed up case processing, reduce delays and help immigration officers focus on pending applications.

USCIS Director Joseph Edlow said the asylum process had been misused by some individuals seeking to delay immigration proceedings or obtain work authorisation rather than genuine protection.

He said the revised rule would allow the agency to focus its resources on applicants with legitimate claims of persecution while reducing opportunities for abuse of the system.

DHS General Counsel James Percival also said delays in immigration proceedings had affected enforcement efforts. He noted that the new rule would improve efficiency and support the government’s immigration enforcement objectives.

The new policy takes effect immediately. However, USCIS said it will receive public comments on the interim rule before issuing a final version that considers feedback from stakeholders.

The change applies to asylum applicants, including Nigerians and other foreign nationals seeking protection in the United States.