Trump Suspends U.S. Asylum System, Sparking Legal Battle/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump has suspended the U.S. asylum system through executive order, citing an “invasion” at the border. The move has left thousands of migrants in legal limbo and sparked legal challenges from rights groups. Deportations have increased, with many sent to third countries like Costa Rica.
Trump Suspends U.S. Asylum System, Sparking Legal Battle: Quick Looks
- Trump suspended the U.S. asylum system on Jan. 20, his first day of his second term.
- Migrants are being expelled without interviews, with some sent to third countries like Costa Rica.
- Legal advocates say deportations are happening without due process, creating widespread confusion.
- Rights groups call the order “unlawful and unprecedented”, as lawsuits escalate.
- A federal court is weighing whether invasion claims can be used to bypass asylum law.
- Daily border arrests remain over 200, despite sharp declines from 2024 levels.
- Attorneys report a dramatic drop in asylum requests, unsure how to advise clients.
- Migrants report being deported without hearings, including a Russian whistleblower family.
- The administration is using Costa Rica and Panama as transit zones, while deportations are finalized.
- Trump defends the move as a crackdown on “abuse”, citing national security and fraud concerns.
Trump Suspends U.S. Asylum System, Sparking Legal Battle
Deep Look
In a sweeping immigration move just hours into his second term, President Donald Trump suspended the U.S. asylum system on January 20, triggering confusion, fear, and a wave of deportations across the southern border. Migrants who once had a legal avenue to seek refuge now face an uncertain future, with legal experts calling the current environment “lawless” and rights groups mounting fierce legal challenges.
Asylum seekers from across the globe — including Eritrea, Afghanistan, Guatemala, Ghana, Pakistan, and Russia — are now being turned away or deported without hearings, interviews, or a chance to make their case. Attorneys say they’ve seen a sudden collapse of legal norms, where longstanding protections under U.S. and international law are being discarded.
“No Interview, No Explanation”
One of those affected is a Russian election worker who fled after documenting election fraud. He and his family spent nine months waiting for an asylum interview in Mexico, only to have it abruptly canceled after Trump took office.
“No one asked me what happened,” he said. “We felt betrayed.”
The family was later detained at a San Diego border crossing and deported to Costa Rica — a country they had never visited.
“We did everything right,” he said, still living in limbo with his wife and son.
According to lawyers and activists, the current system is marked by inconsistencies, secrecy, and rapid removals. “It’s really difficult to advise anyone,” said Paulina Reyes-Perrariz of the Immigrant Defenders Law Center, adding that her office has seen asylum inquiries fall to near zero.
Legal Challenges Mount
The asylum suspension has sparked a cascade of litigation, led by the American Civil Liberties Union and other rights organizations. In a key case pending in federal court, a judge is being asked to rule on whether Trump’s use of an “invasion” justification — language typically reserved for war — can lawfully override asylum protections.
The administration argues its actions are “unreviewable political decisions.” Activists call the claim unconstitutional and dangerous. “This proclamation is as unlawful as it is unprecedented,” the ACLU wrote in its legal brief.
Though illegal border crossings have declined sharply since the final year of President Joe Biden’s term, over 200 people are still arrested daily attempting to cross. It remains unclear how many of them are requesting asylum or what happens to them once they’re detained.
Deportation to Third Countries
To expedite removals, the Trump administration has expanded the use of third countries like Costa Rica and Panama as temporary holding zones for deportees. Over 500 migrants have already been sent to these nations in recent months.
Officials describe the countries as “bridges,” where migrants await return to their home countries or third-party destinations. Critics say the practice exposes vulnerable people to danger and removes them from legal oversight.
Shifting the U.S. Immigration Narrative
Trump has defended the suspension as necessary to close loopholes and prevent abuse of the system. Supporters argue many asylum claims are fraudulent, and that the U.S. has been taken advantage of by economic migrants.
Even some moderate politicians have expressed concern about the system’s integrity. Former Democratic Congressman Barney Frank wrote in 2024 that the asylum process had become an invitation to delay deportation indefinitely.
Yet, for those fleeing persecution, the sudden shutdown has created despair. “They have no way to plead their case,” said Bella Mosselmans, director of the Global Strategic Litigation Council. “That’s not just illegal — it’s inhumane.”
A Life in Limbo
For the Russian family now stranded in Costa Rica, life is defined by uncertainty. The father teaches his son Russian and English while organizing volleyball games to stay occupied. He said he holds no resentment toward the U.S. but is haunted by guilt.
“I failed them,” he said quietly. “I think that every day.”
You must Register or Login to post a comment.