Barriers to Protection as of 2024

Asylum seekers in the U.S. continue to face significant hurdles under expedited removal policies, including rushed timelines, poor detention conditions, and limited access to legal counsel. The report reveals that recent policies, like the “shout test,” place the burden on noncitizens to proactively declare fear—without consistent officer training or clear signage. Coupled with fast-track processing in CBP custody, these practices risk wrongful deportation of individuals fleeing persecution. Despite past recommendations, many longstanding issues remain unresolved, calling into question the U.S.’s compliance with its legal obligations to protect those at risk.