Fewer immigrants passing credible fear interviews
On Behalf of Coughlon Law Firm, PLLC. | Aug 3, 2018 | US Immigration Law
Those who enter the United States in Arizona or other recognized locations may request asylum upon arrival. The first step in obtaining asylum is the credible fear interview. This is when an individual shows evidence such as physical wounds to a government agent. However, there is no guarantee that a person will be found credible. One woman was denied despite showing scars and a hand with missing fingers after an attack in Honduras.
Despite her story and the physical evidence to go along with it, her claim was rejected. This is because the United States has changed its asylum policy to exclude those seeking protection from gang or domestic violence at home. According to the Trump administration, the fact that 75 percent of immigrants seeking asylum passed the credible fear review was not a positive thing. The director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said that the bar to pass the review had been set too low.
However, those who have legitimate concerns about their safety in their countries of origin may be subject to further violence if forced to return home. This may include those who are being reunited with their children after recently crossing the border. In some cases, deportations are taking place before a judge can make a determination about the validity of asylum claims.
While an immigrant has the opportunity to seek asylum, whether they are granted protection in the country depends on the merits of the case. It may also depend on the policies of the United States government when an individual asks for protection. An attorney could help an immigrant gather evidence to support their claims. This may help them obtain a favorable ruling from an immigration judge.