Asylum Cases
Of 9,665,247 total immigration cases, asylum decisions account for 1,577,067 outcomes — with a 58.3% grant rate overall. This means roughly 919,430 out of every 1,577,067 asylum seekers with a final decision were granted protection.
Asylum Grants vs Denials
Asylum Grants & Denials by Year
How Asylum Works in Immigration Court
Asylum is a form of protection that allows individuals who meet the definition of a "refugee" to remain in the United States. To qualify, an applicant must demonstrate that they have suffered persecution or have a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.
Most asylum cases in immigration court are "defensive" asylum claims — filed by individuals who are already in removal proceedings. The immigration judge hears the case and decides whether to grant asylum, another form of relief, or order deportation.
All Case Outcomes
| Outcome | Count |
|---|---|
| Relief Granted (Asylum/Other) | 896,454 |
| Transfer to Another Court | 874,204 |
| Voluntary Departure | 814,501 |
| 729,040 | |
| Dismissed by Judge | 647,910 |
| Deportation Order | 628,798 |
| Administrative Closure | 194,743 |
| Exclusion Order | 153,158 |
| Credible Fear Vacated | 47,788 |
| Other Administrative Completion | 41,792 |
| Application Denied | 29,457 |
| Case Withdrawn | 10,588 |
| Application Granted | 9,719 |
| Withholding of Removal (INA) | 6,781 |
| CAT Protection Granted | 3,599 |
| CAT Deferral Granted | 1,722 |
| Prior Order Rescinded | 1,074 |
| Appealed to BIA | 748 |
Key Issues in Asylum Adjudication
Judge Variation
Asylum grant rates vary dramatically by judge — some grant 90%+, others deny 90%+.
Representation Gap
Only 26.7% of immigrants had lawyers. Representation dramatically changes outcomes.
Geographic Lottery
Where your case is heard matters enormously — grant rates vary wildly between courts.
The Backlog
1,907,436 cases pending — many applicants waiting years for hearings.