Asylum seekers could be sent directly to deportation under new federal rule

The Trump administration has implemented a new federal rule through USCIS that takes effect immediately. This regulation allows officers to funnel asylum seekers directly into immigration court for deportation proceedings, bypassing the interview process to weigh claims. Consequently, nearly 450,000 cases could be transferred to immigration judges who may dismiss the asylum petitions. The rule was enacted without a notice and comment period, a procedural detail that is expected to face significant scrutiny.