Asylum Claims Improvement Act of 2022

Asylum Claims Improvement Act of 2022

This bill prohibits the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from taking into account the mental health of a non-U.S. national (alien under federal law) when determining whether that individual qualifies as a refugee. (Generally, a refugee is an individual who is unable to return to their country because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of certain characteristics, such as race or religion.)

The bill also prohibits DHS from taking into account a non-U.S. national's mental health when determining whether that individual is protected by a provision that generally prohibits removing an individual to a country where that individual's life or freedom would be threatened.

Bill 117 hr 8119, also known as the Asylum Claims Improvement Act of 2022, aims to make improvements to the asylum claims process in the United States. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on September 15, 2022.

One key provision of the bill is the establishment of a pilot program to expedite the processing of asylum claims. This program would prioritize cases that involve individuals who are fleeing persecution or violence in their home countries. The goal of the program is to reduce the backlog of asylum cases and provide faster relief to those in need of protection.

Additionally, the bill includes measures to improve the training of asylum officers and immigration judges. This would ensure that those responsible for adjudicating asylum claims are well-equipped to make fair and informed decisions. Furthermore, the Asylum Claims Improvement Act of 2022 seeks to enhance transparency and accountability in the asylum process. The bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to report regularly on the status of asylum claims, including information on approval rates, processing times, and reasons for denials. Overall, the Asylum Claims Improvement Act of 2022 aims to streamline the asylum claims process, provide faster relief to those in need of protection, and ensure that decisions are made fairly and transparently.