Political asylum and the Trump administration

The Trump administration has always focused on reducing immigration at all costs. Since the President took office in 2017, multiple changes have been implemented on immigration policies.

For instance, the political asylum process has been substantially modified in recent years, and measures implemented by the current administration of the US have diminished the options for asylum seekers.

Nowadays, the possibilities for asylum seekers to obtain a work permit are stricter than before. Besides that, the government has increased restrictions for immigrants seeking international protection through political asylum or refuge.

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Asylum applications and work permits

In August 2020, several measures implemented by the Trump administration went into effect. Most of them are related to the possibility that asylum seekers have to obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

Changes that went into effect on August 21, 2020:

• In late June 2020, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a Final Rule stating that as of August 21, the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) is no longer required to respond to requests for employment authorization related to a political asylum case within 30 days.
  Now, the waiting time for EAD requests is indefinite.
• If an asylum application is denied, the work permit will be revoked immediately. Previously, immigrants could use their employment authorization for the duration of the permit, regardless of the response to their asylum applications.
  This rule is subject to several exceptions.

Changes that went into effect on August 25, 2020:

• Immigrants must apply for political asylum within the first year after arriving in the US. Otherwise, they will not qualify for a legal work permit.
• If immigrants have participated in certain crimes outside of the US, they will not be able to receive a work permit.

Therefore, the mandatory requirements to be able to apply for an employment authorization as an asylum seeker have increased considerably and it is imperative to be up to date with current policies to avoid a possible rejection by the USCIS.

Our specialized attorneys can guide you

It is important to remember that the arrival of the global Coronavirus pandemic helped the Trump administration to implement emergency measures that directly affect the immigration sector.

Despite those measures, there are still multiple processes that could suit your current immigration needs. To choose the right process, it is essential for you to follow the advice of experts and avoid possible rejection of your application.

Motion Law immigration’ expert attorneys have vast experience when it comes to immigration processes of all kinds. Be it family, business, deportation cases, political asylum requests, immigration appeals, waivers, adjustment of immigration status, inter alia.

Our team of specialists will be happy to guide you through your immigration journey in the US.

If you have any questions about an immigration issue or relating to a case you may have currently in progress, then please don’t hesitate to contact us for a FREE Phone Consultation with one of our expert immigration attorneys.

Simply call Motion Law today at: (202) 918-1799.