Starting June 12, 2024, migrants crossing into the United States illegally will face new challenges following President Joe Biden’s recent asylum restrictions. These individuals now have only four hours to secure legal representation to argue for an exception to the new asylum rules. Previously, migrants had at least 24 hours to find a lawyer.

This policy shift was communicated by John Lafferty, head of asylum at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, in an email to officers enforcing President Biden’s executive action, which temporarily halts asylum requests at the border.

Despite the new restrictions, some avenues remain for migrants fearing torture or persecution in their home countries. These alternative programs, however, have stricter eligibility criteria than asylum.

A Department of Homeland Security official noted that the new limit aims to expedite processing in the overloaded immigration system. The official clarified that the four-hour window applies only from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., so night arrivals won’t be penalized if they can’t reach someone during off-hours. Extensions will be rare, granted only in “extraordinary circumstances.”

Navigating the complex and rapidly changing immigration landscape can be overwhelming, especially under these new constraints. Our law firm is dedicated to providing the support and representation needed to help migrants meet these new requirements and make their case effectively. Here’s how we can assist: