Trump Administration Seeks to Dismiss Thousands of Asylum Cases

In December 2025, federal immigration authorities began moving to dismiss thousands of pending asylum cases in U.S. immigration courts, marking a significant shift in enforcement strategy and raising serious concerns for individuals currently seeking protection in the United States.

Policy Overview

According to statements from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), attorneys for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have been instructed to file motions asking immigration judges to dismiss certain asylum cases before they are decided on the merits. In many cases, the government is also requesting that immigration judges order removal rather than allowing asylum seekers to proceed with their claims.

This approach is intended to reduce the immigration court backlog and accelerate removals using existing statutory and regulatory authority.

Government’s Stated Rationale

DHS has stated that it is using what it describes as “every lawful tool available” to address what it characterizes as abuse of the asylum system. The agency has emphasized that individuals subject to these motions are still entitled to legal process, including a hearing before an immigration judge.

The administration has framed these efforts as part of a broader enforcement strategy focused on border control, expedited removals, and reducing long-pending court cases.

Removal to Third Countries

In addition to seeking dismissal of asylum cases, ICE attorneys are asking immigration judges to order removals to third countries such as Guatemala, Honduras, Ecuador, or Uganda. The government has cited bilateral or multilateral arrangements that it claims permit individuals to seek protection in those countries instead of the United States.

These requests are not limited to an asylum seeker’s country of nationality and may apply even where the individual has no meaningful ties to the proposed third country.

Impact on Asylum Seekers

If granted, these motions could result in asylum seekers losing the opportunity to fully present their claims for protection in U.S. immigration court. Individuals may face removal without a final decision on their asylum applications, potentially placing them at risk if returned to unsafe conditions.

The policy may disproportionately affect individuals with pending, long-running cases who have been complying with court requirements and awaiting hearings for years.

What Affected Individuals Should Know

Anyone facing a motion to dismiss their asylum case or a request for removal to a third country should seek legal advice immediately. These motions are often subject to strict response deadlines, and failure to respond properly can result in a removal order.

An experienced immigration attorney can assess whether the government’s motion can be opposed, whether the individual qualifies for asylum or other forms of relief, and what legal arguments may apply based on country conditions and procedural protections.