The Asylum Process and Current Challenges

Asylum seekers in the U.S. are defined by a well-founded fear of persecution based on factors such as race or political opinion, and they navigate a complex system to gain legal status. The Biden administration's regulations require asylum seekers to enter the U.S. lawfully, creating hurdles as many rely on limited appointment slots to establish their claims. The burden of proof for credible fear rests heavily on the asylum seeker, who often lacks necessary documentation while fleeing for their lives. A significant backlog in immigration courts exacerbates this situation, with over 3.7 million cases pending, leaving many asylum seekers in legal limbo for years.