CLINIC Submits Comments on Proposed Rule That Would Deny Asylum Seekers a Day in Court

Last Updated

November 1, 2021

On Oct. 18, 2021, CLINIC submitted comments largely opposing a proposed rule that would authorize asylum officers to hear cases of asylum seekers who pass credible fear interviews, rather than having their cases referred directly to an immigration judge. While CLINIC does not object to asylum officers hearing these cases, under the proposed rule, immigration judges would merely review a transcript of that interview in most cases where the asylum officer does not grant asylum, rather than conducting a full hearing. CLINIC strongly objects to any changes in asylum procedures that would allow asylum seekers to be removed without having the due process protections of a full immigration court hearing first.