The first Trump administration dramatically reshaped the U.S. asylum system, and many of those changes remain in place today. From 2017 through early 2021, policy shifts made it harder to apply for asylum and left thousands of people in legal limbo. Now, during a second Trump term, some of those earlier restrictions have returned—this time more forcefully and with expanded reach.
Whether you’re seeking asylum now or still waiting on a decision from years ago, it’s important to understand how these policies affect your path forward. In this blog, we’ll explain what changed during the first Trump administration, what remains today, and how current rules are affecting asylum seekers.
Key Changes to Asylum Policies
Many policies introduced during Trump’s first term reshaped how asylum claims were handled. These included new eligibility rules, expanded removal powers, and procedural hurdles that made the system harder to access.
Some of the most significant changes included:
- Third-Country Transit Rule: This blocked asylum for most migrants who passed through another country without first seeking protection there. Although overturned by courts in 2020, similar ideas returned in later policy.
- Remain in Mexico (MPP): This required many asylum seekers to wait in Mexican border towns while their cases were pending. It created serious safety risks and restricted access to legal help.
- Domestic Violence and Gang Claims Excluded: The administration narrowed who could qualify for asylum, disqualifying many people facing serious threats.
- Longer Waits for Work Permits: The time before an asylum applicant could apply for work authorization was extended, leaving many without income.
- Fast-Track Deportations: The use of expedited removal was expanded, often without a fair hearing.
These policies didn’t just affect those at the border—they changed the entire asylum process. Today, we’re seeing some of those same restrictions reinforced or revived under current immigration orders.
What Remains in Place Today
As of mid-2025, access to asylum is more limited than it has been in decades.
- A presidential proclamation in January 2025 formally suspended the right to seek asylum at the southern border, citing national emergency powers.
- Refugee resettlement has been paused, with all admissions under review by immigration and State Department officials.
- The Remain in Mexico program remains active due to a standing court order.
- The CBP One app, once used to schedule asylum appointments, has been shut down and replaced with a system that encourages self-deportation.
- Work permits for asylum seekers are frozen pending a final determination in their case, which can take months or years.
These measures build on the foundation laid during Trump’s first term. For many applicants, it means delays, uncertainty, and fewer legal protections than in the past.
How These Changes Affected Asylum Seekers
The impact on individuals and families has been devastating. Under both administrations, asylum seekers have faced dangerous conditions at the border, confusing eligibility rules, and long delays in court.
These policies have resulted in:
- Families stranded in Mexico without shelter or support
- People deported under policies later declared unlawful
- Applicants denied protection based on old interpretations still used by some courts
- Long waits with no legal status or ability to work
These aren’t just bureaucratic issues—they directly affect safety, stability, and reunification. At Rahimi Law Firm, we continue to help clients sort through the consequences of past decisions, reopen unfairly denied cases, and pursue protection even when the system feels stacked against them.
What You Can Do Now
If you’re considering asylum or want to reopen a case, don’t wait. The rules are stricter than ever, but you still have rights under U.S. law. Even in a difficult policy climate, strong legal support can make all the difference. We’ll help you understand where your case stands and what options remain available, and we’ll stand by you through the entire process.
Looking Ahead
Asylum law in the U.S. remains in a state of uncertainty, but your right to seek safety hasn’t disappeared. At Rahimi Law Firm, we’re committed to helping people move forward, even when the path is difficult. If you have questions about asylum or past denials, contact us today. We’re here to help you take the next step with confidence.