Study: Obtaining political asylum in the US is like a game of roulette

Some judges make 97% decisions not in favor of asylum seekers. Photo: depositphoto

Researchers at the University of Syracuse have published a report on the characteristics of political asylum in the United States. The authors of the study argue that the process of obtaining asylum resembles a roulette game: the outcome is influenced by where the matter is heard and who is considering it.

In particular, the study has the story of a girl, Senia of El Salvador. The authors of the report found out that the judge who considered her case in the migration court almost never makes positive decisions. From 2009 to 2014, he reviewed 410 political asylum cases. And rejected 97% of requests. Researchers at the University of Syracuse argue that it is very difficult to grasp the connection between the substance of the case and the judge’s decision. For example, another judge makes an average of 75% positive decisions.

However, as Fusion writes, in the whole country there is a fairly balanced situation, approximately 50% of asylum seekers receive approval. A slightly different situation in the state of New York. Here, immigration courts make positive decisions in 90% of cases.

Found the authors of the report and 2 of the state, in which political asylum is better not to apply. For example, all 4 migration judges from the city of Eloy in Arizona rejected 94% cases. And all the 5 migration judges in Miami rejected 92% requests.

On the University website published complete statistics in cases considered by migration judges. As noted in the study, in preparing the report, specialists from the University of Syracuse studied the statistics on cases of 207 judges in 48 courts.

Another problem for asylum seekers in the United States is the lack of legal representation. 15% of applicants do not have lawyers. Of these, 89% end up being rejected.

“Going through this process alone is very difficult. Without the help of an expert immigration lawyer, this is almost impossible, says Katarina Obser of the New York Commission on Women's Refugees. “This is such a difficult process that, unfortunately, people go through on their own. Without speaking English, without access to even basic legal information, let alone the ability to prepare a case before an immigration judge. While the opposite side has a competent representative.”

Arizona immigration lawyer Jimmy Burns believes there are several factors at play. “It's a combination of anti-immigrant policies, lack of legal aid for immigrants, and a high caseload. Together, this delays the process and works against those seeking protection,” says Burns.

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