Trump Administration Makes it Harder to Claim Asylum

 Posted on November 04, 2025 in Asylum

The Trump Administration has taken a hard line on many immigration issues, and asylum is no exception. In September 2025, policy changes and new legal rulings about immigrants making asylum claims made it harder to win cases and easier for judges to dismiss cases outright. 

If you are seeking asylum in the United States, these changes may make the future seem bleak. But there is hope. Our Bay Area asylum attorneys can help you with your case and give you the best shot at getting the protection you need. 

What Changes Has the Trump Administration Made to Asylum Claims? 

Attorney General Pam Bondi made decisions in two immigration cases that have major implications. In one case, AG Bondi said that fear of gangs in an asylum seeker’s homeland may not be enough to win asylum. In another, she said that fear of domestic violence may also not be enough. 

Another change recently made was to allow judges to dismiss asylum cases with little chance of succeeding without a longer hearing that was previously required. Advocates of this change say this will clear up the process and make legitimate claims easier and faster to approve. Critics say this essentially denies a hearing to tens of thousands of people with legitimate asylum claims. 

What Options Do Asylum Seekers Still Have? 

As of July 2025, there were several million pending asylum claims. What happens to these people? If you are hoping to win asylum, what will happen to you? The Board of Immigration Appeals now says that people who entered the United States without inspection must wait in detention while their cases are processed. This has justifiably caused many asylum seekers to feel intense fear and anxiety for their future. 

However, with the help of an experienced immigration attorney, asylum seekers may still have options. These include: 

Cancellation of Removal

This relief lets some people in deportation proceedings stay in the U.S. and become permanent residents. To qualify, a person usually must have lived in the U.S. for at least 10 years, have good moral character, and show that removal would cause extreme hardship to a U.S. citizen or green card–holding family member.

Adjustment of Status

This allows someone already in the U.S. to apply for a green card without leaving the country. Asylum seekers can often apply one year after being granted asylum, or through a family or job petition if they meet other requirements.

Convention Against Torture (CAT) Protection

CAT protects people who would likely be tortured if returned to their home country. It does not give a green card, but it lets the person stay and work in the U.S. safely.

Waivers of Inadmissibility

These are special permissions that forgive certain immigration problems, like unlawful presence or fraud, so a person can enter or stay in the U.S. Each case is reviewed individually and usually requires proof of hardship or rehabilitation. The most common waivers of admissibility are: 

• Form I-601: Asks the government to forgive certain immigration violations for people applying for a visa or green card after that person has been found inadmissible. 

• Form I-601A: Lets some family-based applicants request a waiver before leaving the U.S., so they spend less time separated from family.

Withholding of Removal

This stops the government from deporting someone to a country where they would probably face persecution for reasons like race, religion, or politics. It does not lead to permanent residence but allows the person to live and work in the U.S.

Your options will depend on your specific circumstances. How you entered the U.S., how long you have been here, and the story you have to share with an asylum judge will all affect the outcome of your case. Our attorneys can help you understand your options and fight for the best possible outcome. 

Call a San Francisco Immigration Lawyer

Your future as an asylum seeker in the United States may feel very uncertain right now. Get the help you need from an experienced, compassionate Bay Area asylum attorney by calling 214-506-0671. At Hafey & Karim, much of our firm’s practice is dedicated to helping victims of tragic circumstances get the help and protection they need. Call us today.