US SEEKS TO CANCEL THOUSANDS OF ASYLUM CASES, CBS NEWS REPORTS
U.S. immigration authorities are reportedly moving to dismiss or cancel thousands of asylum cases in immigration court, according to CBS News and other national outlets. These cases involve people who have already been placed into the formal court system, where judges decide whether they can remain in the United States. Based on preliminary reports, the move appears to focus on cases where the government does not consider the individuals a priority for deportation. The action does not automatically grant legal status; it mainly removes certain cases from the active court docket. As a result, many affected migrants may be left in a kind of legal limbo, without a final decision on their protection claims.
This development is drawing attention because the immigration court system has been struggling with a large backlog for years. According to initial data from government and research groups, hundreds of thousands of asylum and other immigration cases are pending across the country. Officials have faced pressure to reduce delays, which can leave people waiting years for a hearing. By canceling or dismissing some cases, authorities may be trying to free up judges to focus on others, such as recent arrivals or people deemed higher priority. At the same time, advocates and legal experts are examining what this means for due process and long-term stability for migrants.
Current reporting indicates that many of the affected cases involve people who have lived in the United States for several years, often without serious criminal records. In some situations, according to CBS News summaries, the government may ask judges to terminate or administratively close cases so they no longer appear on the active calendar. This can reduce immediate risk of deportation but also cuts off the chance to win asylum or other relief in court. Lawyers note that some individuals may then need to explore other immigration options through different agencies, if they qualify. Others may remain in the country without clear status, which can limit access to work authorization and public benefits.
Authorities are still clarifying which criteria they are using to decide whose cases are canceled. Based on available information, factors can include an individual’s criminal history, immigration record, and perceived risk to public safety or national security. Officials are also reviewing how these decisions interact with existing policies that prioritize the removal of people with certain convictions. Oversight bodies
