The number and percentage of aliens seeking admission or unlawfully entering the United States who assert fear of persecution or apply for asylum have increased, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Those who claim fear or seek asylum, believe they will be harmed if they are returned to their native country.
In 2017, there were 415,517 total apprehensions and inadmissables on the Southwest Border. Of those, 55,584 individuals had claims of credible fear.
Comparatively, in 2018, there were 521,090 total apprehensions and inadmissables with 92,959 claiming credible fear, reflecting a year-over-year increase of nearly 5 percent.
“These numbers reflect a dramatic increase in initial fear claims by those encountered on the border, which is straining border security, immigration enforcement and courts, and other federal resources,” CBP Commissioner Kevin K. McAleenan said. “As the majority of these claims will not be successful when they are adjudicated by an immigration court, we need Congress to act to address these vulnerabilities in our immigration system which continue to negatively impact border security efforts.”
Fear claims are determined during Expedited Removal proceedings. Detainees are asked four questions regarding the fear they may have about returning to their home countries.
Claims of credible fear are referred to asylum officers of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.