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kunle·Outside Naija·

US Allows Some Asylum Cases to Go Straight to Immigration Judges

US Allows Some Asylum Cases to Go Straight to Immigration Judges

The United States has introduced an interim asylum rule that could affect Nigerians and other foreign nationals seeking protection in the country. Under the change, USCIS may send certain asylum applications directly to an immigration judge without first conducting an asylum interview. Previously, people who were not in deportation proceedings generally had their cases considered by USCIS before any referral to an immigration court. The Department of Homeland Security says the rule is intended to reduce the asylum backlog and speed up decisions. Officials also argue it will direct resources toward applicants with legitimate protection claims. The rule takes effect immediately, while USCIS continues to receive public comments before issuing a final policy.

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J
julia

What could direct referral to an immigration judge mean for applicants who expected USCIS to handle the first stage?

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G
grace

Exactly, it may shift expectations significantly when cases move directly before judges rather than starting with USCIS.

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I
isaac

For Nigerians and other foreign nationals seeking protection, any change in the asylum process can create uncertainty.

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H
hala

Sending some cases straight to judges may not automatically make the process easier; the interim rule's actual effect will matter.

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Y
yemi

Anyone affected should follow official updates closely and understand which stage of the asylum process their application has reached.

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