The Biden administration has announced a new fast-track docket in immigration courts aimed at expediting the process of deciding asylum claims for single adults. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce the time it takes to reach a decision, from years to just months for some individuals.
Under this new 'recent arrivals docket,' migrants settling in five major cities - Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York - will have their asylum claims adjudicated within 180 days by specially assigned judges. The goal is to address the backlog in immigration courts, which has been identified as a key factor driving increased migration, particularly among those with weaker claims.
The Justice Department has deployed 10 judges to handle cases under this new docket, although the exact number of cases they will manage remains uncertain. The administration emphasized that while this step is a positive move, it does not replace the comprehensive reforms proposed in a Senate bill that failed to pass earlier this year.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas stated that in the absence of legislative action, the administration is committed to enforcing the law effectively and discouraging irregular migration through administrative measures. The selection of the five cities was based on judge availability and their status as major migrant destinations.
Critics have raised concerns about the potential incentives for asylum seekers, such as work permits granted within six months of arrival, even for those with weak claims. The administration's efforts to prioritize new arrivals for expedited asylum decisions date back to previous administrations, including the Obama and Trump eras.
While some experts view these initiatives as necessary responses to the immigration crisis, others like retired immigration judge Dana Leigh Marks caution that past 'rocket docket' approaches have not effectively addressed migration challenges. The current plan does not allocate additional funding for more judges, despite the existing backlog of 3.6 million cases in immigration courts.
Overall, the latest policy announcement reflects ongoing efforts by the Biden administration to streamline asylum processes and address the complex issues surrounding immigration in the United States.
