In a test of a new system that could change how US border officials handle asylum seekers, the US will initiate a test next week that will provide an initial screening to asylum seekers and provide them with legal counsel to speed the processing of asylum claims, ABC News reports.
Immigration asylum officers will screen people who cross the border illegally and provide them with a lawyer to review their legal options. The screening would determine which migrants have an asylum claim, and those people will be assigned a lawyer who will be with them through their case’s resolution.
Currently more than 90% of asylum seekers appear for their status hearings. Asylum seekers who have legal representation are more likely to appear before the courts. Researchers found that a legal aide helps the applicant to feel their case is getting a fair hearing and to understand the process. Plus, legal aides act as a de facto case manager for the migrant, keeping them on schedule and reducing flight risk.