A surge in the number of illegal immigrants seeking asylum after
crossing the U.S. border is likely to become a major area of contention
as Washington gears up for another clash over immigration reform.
Critics of the immigration blueprint that stalled in the House are
incensed by a jump in claims from people who cross the border illegally
and who say they can’t return home because of safety concerns.
Department of Homeland Security figures show that more than 27,000
illegal immigrants made "credible fear" claims after crossing the border
last fiscal year, compared with fewer than 11,000 the year before. The
increase is coming primarily from Mexico and Central America, according
to DHS data.
Immigration judges ultimately reject the overwhelming majority of
asylum requests. However, those sounding the alarm point out that such
illegal immigrants are often allowed to go free until a court hearing —
sometimes months later — and drop off the grid altogether.
With the government shutdown behind him, President Obama has started
yet another push for comprehensive immigration reform. Conservative
lawmakers have shown little appetite to take up the polarizing
legislation as the 2014 midterm elections approach.
The Obama administration has long argued that the U.S.-Mexican border
has never been more secure, accusing Republicans of misleading the
public about border security in an effort to stall legislation that has
broad public support.
However, the growing number of asylum requests has alarmed GOP
leaders who say that any path to citizenship for illegal immigrants must
come after stiffer border security metrics are reached by the federal
government.
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Friday, October 25, 2013
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