Story perspectives

Trump's New Asylum Strategy: 8,000 Claims Dismissed

12/27/2025

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified efforts to void asylum claims by arguing some migrants can be deported to third countries.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) attorneys have filed motions to dismiss asylum claims without hearings, citing Guatemala and Honduras.
According to internal data obtained by CBS News, more than 8,000 motions had been filed by early December.
Critics say the approach undermines the asylum process, while the administration maintains it addresses asylum system abuse.

History

Historical Context

The Immigration Act of 1990, signed by President George H. W. Bush on November 29, increased annual immigration limits to 700,000 and established protections for asylum seekers. This reform followed decades of contentious immigration debates, particularly regarding family reunification and employment-based visas. Current efforts by President Trump to limit asylum claims reflect ongoing tensions rooted in U.S. immigration policy, especially concerning Central American nations like Guatemala and Honduras.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified efforts to void asylum claims by arguing some migrants can be deported to third countries.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) attorneys have filed motions to dismiss asylum claims without hearings, citing Guatemala and Honduras.
According to internal data obtained by CBS News, more than 8,000 motions had been filed by early December.
Critics say the approach undermines the asylum process, while the administration maintains it addresses asylum system abuse.

1 / 2