US Seeks To Dismiss Asylum Claims, Deport Migrants To Third Countries: Report

The Trump administration is moving to cancel thousands of pending asylum cases by arguing that applicants can be deported to countries other than their own, according to internal data reviewed by CBS News.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement attorneys have filed more than 8,000 motions asking immigration judges to dismiss asylum claims without full hearings.

The requests rely on “safe third country” agreements that allow deportations to nations such as Guatemala, Honduras, Ecuador, and Uganda.

The effort has expanded nationwide in recent weeks, affecting courts in major cities including New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Miami. If approved, the motions would clear the way for rapid deportations unless appeals are filed.

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The Trump administration seeks to cancel thousands of asylum cases, saying applicants can be deported to third countries — CBS News pic.twitter.com/xT4pc7roAC

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The Department of Homeland Security said the strategy is lawful and aimed at reducing abuse and backlogs in the asylum system. The push follows a recent ruling that requires judges to consider third-country deportation requests before reviewing asylum claims.

Immigration attorneys argue the approach undermines due process and pressures migrants to abandon valid claims.

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tippinsightsTIPP Staff