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Story summary
- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued an interim final rule, effective July 28, 2026, letting USCIS send asylum applicants directly to removal proceedings without an interview.
- DHS estimates the rule could affect up to 444,724 pending cases and about 132,000 applicants each year.
- Critics, including senior fellow Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, argue the rule violates due process by denying thousands of applications without interview, notice, hearing, bond, or meaningful counsel.
