(Iris Stone) – A new chart based on data from the Executive Office for Immigration Review, reported by The New York Times, shows asylum approval rates have fallen fast.
At one point during the Biden years, more than half of asylum cases were approved.
Today, that number has dropped to just 7%.
That’s not a small shift. That’s a complete turnaround.
President Trump issued a press release on this topic a few days ago.
From 50% to 7%
For years, critics on the right argued the asylum system was being abused. The idea was simple. If people knew they could claim asylum and likely stay, more would come.
The data now suggests that door has closed.
According to the White House, the drop is the result of major changes inside immigration courts. The Trump administration replaced judges it says were too lenient and moved to speed up decisions.
The result?
Fewer approvals. Faster rulings. And a lot more deportation orders.
In fiscal year 2025 alone, immigration courts issued nearly 500,000 removal orders, a 57% jump from the year before.
At the same time, the backlog of cases is shrinking after years of growing delays.
A Broader Crackdown
The asylum numbers are just one piece of a bigger picture.
The White House says more than three million illegal immigrants have left the country during President Trump’s second term.
It also says zero migrants have been released at the border for 11 straight months, ending the old catch-and-release system.
Supporters argue this is restoring basic law and order. That’s why they support President Trump in 2024.
Think of it like a store that stopped checking receipts at the door. Word spreads. More people walk out without paying. But once checks come back, behavior changes quickly.
That’s what immigration hawks say is happening now.
Crime and Safety Claims
The administration is also tying these policies to public safety.
According to the White House:
The U.S. saw what may be the largest one-year drop in homicides in 2025
Deaths of police officers fell nearly 25%
Fentanyl trafficking across the southern border was cut in half
About 70% of deported individuals had criminal charges or convictions
There are also claims that traffic deaths dropped after removing over 9,500 non-English-speaking commercial drivers deemed unsafe.
Supporters say these are not coincidences.
Supporters argue stricter enforcement keeps dangerous people out, and makes communities safer, and protects Americans.
What Critics Say
Not everyone agrees.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz recently claimed there is “no verifiable evidence” that these policies are making America safer.
Critics also argue that lower asylum approval rates could mean people with real fears are being turned away.
Immigration advocates warn that speeding up cases may lead to mistakes. They say the system should focus on fairness, not just speed.
That debate is not going away anytime soon.
Why It Matters to Nevada
This isn’t just a Washington issue. It hits close to home in Nevada.
Clark County has long felt the strain of rapid population growth, including illegal immigration. Hospitals, schools, and law enforcement all deal with the impact.
When emergency rooms are crowded, wait times go up. When courts are backed up, cases drag on. When law enforcement is stretched thin, response times can suffer.
The White House says fewer illegal crossings and fewer releases are easing that pressure nationwide.
For a state like Nevada, where resources are already tight, that could makes a real difference.
The Bottom Line
One thing is clear: The era of easy asylum claims is over.
And the impact of that change is being felt across the country, including right here in Nevada.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. Digital technology was used in the research, writing, and production of this article. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.