We are fortunate to live in a country that is relatively safe. Not everyone in the world can claim this is so. Some people live in countries where they face persecution that puts their very lives in jeopardy. When this happens, these individuals may seek asylum in the United States. This issue has recently made the news in Kentucky and across the nation as some deported asylum seekers are being given a second chance to make their case.
The Trump administration has agreed to review 1,000 immigrants’ claims for asylum. These individuals were parents and children who were coming to the U.S. to seek asylum, but were separated from one another at the border. These individuals are now permitted to apply for asylum a second time, even if they were deported because their claim that they faced persecution or torture in their country of origin was rejected.
According to some professionals, some of these immigrants were coerced into deciding not to apply for asylum, because they thought that doing so would reunite them with their children. Under the settlement, these individuals will be permitted to present additional evidence showing that they had a true credible fear of returning to their country of origin.
If an asylum applicant passes the credible fear test, then their case will be assigned to an immigration judge. Until the judge issues a decision, the asylum seeker is permitted to reside and work in the U.S.
This settlement is a victory for the many asylum seekers who felt forced to return to their country of origin after being separated from their children. They deserve the chance to present a complete and thorough case, with evidence in support of their claim for asylum. Asylum seekers may be in a state of great fear and may seek entry into the U.S. in order to be protected from harm. It is important that their cases are given the proper attention needed to determine whether or not to allow these individuals to remain in the U.S.
