Problems with our asylum application process

This report sheds light on the problem with the current asylum process in the US. It is often very difficult for immigrants to get asylum seekers to get visas, and the reasons behind these difficulties are seemingly unjust. One problem with the current process is the 150-day period that asylum seekers must wait (after their initial application) before they can request employment authorization. To worsen the situation, this 150-day period can be lengthened, for years in many cases. It is lengthened whenever there is a “delay request[ed] or caused by the [asylum] applicant.” A report by the Human Rights Watch finds that these delays are often unnecessary. Another criticism of the asylum process is the lack of lawyers provided to applicants. As we talked about in class, criminal law is different from immigration law. This report points out an instance where immigration law takes advantage of this differentiation – the uncertainty of whether or not a lawyer will be provided at the hearing of an asylum seeker. Also included is the story of a double amputee and asylee who rode his bicycle 800 miles across Texas last month. The man hopes the ride will raise awareness for those rejected as refugees while trying to flee Mexico’s drug wars. This, along with many other efforts, will hopefully resonate through Congress and kickstart the stalling process of meaningful immigration reform.

http://thinkprogress.org/immigration/2013/11/14/2929901/bars-vulnerable-asylum-seekers-working-receiving-assistance/