Washington D.C. – The Trump administration has implemented new measures impacting immigrants and asylum seekers from several nations, while also dismissing a group of immigration judges in New York. The moves signal a further hardening of the administration’s stance on immigration policies.
According to sources within the administration, applications for asylum from citizens of 19 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, and Yemen, have been suspended. This suspension reportedly extends to applications for green cards (permanent residency) and U.S. citizenship.
The new policy affects individuals originating from countries whose citizens were previously barred from applying for legal status with the U.S. Immigration and Citizenship Services in June. The sweeping changes are already generating controversy and raising concerns among immigration advocacy groups.
In a separate development, the Justice Department has terminated the employment of eight immigration judges in New York. The National Association of Immigration Judges confirmed the dismissals, stating that all eight judges were stationed at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan, a building housing a court specializing in reviewing cases of immigrants seeking to regularize their status.
The rationale behind the selection of these specific judges for dismissal remains unclear. These dismissals come amidst a broader trend, with approximately 90 judges reportedly terminated across the country this year. The moves are likely to further strain the already overburdened immigration court system.
Federal law enforcement officers have been conducting patrols within the 26 Federal Plaza building, often detaining immigrants as they leave court proceedings. These actions, frequently witnessed by members of the press, underscore the increased scrutiny and enforcement efforts targeting immigrant communities.
