Immigration advocates criticize new policy affecting Caribbean asylum seekers | Global News

The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) has strongly criticized a new United States rule that aims to expedite the processing of asylum cases for recently arrived Caribbean and other asylum seekers. The rule, known as the ‘Recent Arrivals’ (RA) Docket process, is set to reduce the time it takes to decide the fate of these migrants from years to just six months.

Many of the migrants affected by this new rule are nationals from countries such as Haiti, Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Honduras, who have crossed the southern border of the US and arrived in major cities like New York.

NYIC, which represents over 200 immigrant and refugee rights groups in New York State, expressed concerns that the expedited process could lead to unfair deportations without adequate due process for those fleeing political and humanitarian turmoil in their home countries.

NYIC’s president and CEO, Murad Awawdeh, criticized the Biden administration for implementing policies that restrict access to asylum and called for a reconsideration of the new rules. He argued that the focus should be on creating a fair and efficient immigration system that benefits the economy and communities in the long term.

The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice recently announced the implementation of the RA Docket process, which will prioritize the adjudication of asylum cases for certain noncitizen single adults who attempt to cross irregularly between ports of entry at the southwest border. Immigration judges in five specific cities, including New York City, will aim to render final decisions within 180 days.

The DOJ emphasized that while the goal is to expedite the process, due process guarantees will still be upheld, including allowing time for noncitizens to seek representation if needed. The new rule is part of the government’s efforts to more swiftly impose consequences on those without a legal basis to remain in the US and grant relief to those with valid claims.