US asylum officers can now apply denial rules at the first interview

The US Homeland Security Department changed rules for asylum officers. They can now use reasons to deny asylum claims at the very first interview.

The process for seeking asylum in the US just got a new, earlier gate. Asylum officers can now apply denial criteria at the first interview, which means many cases will not proceed to a full hearing. This allows the Homeland Security Department to remove some noncitizens more quickly.