Fact Check: The backlog of asylum claims in the U.S. has been increasing.

Fact Check: "The backlog of asylum claims in the U.S. has been increasing."

What We Know

The backlog of asylum claims in the United States has indeed been increasing over recent years. According to the Executive Office for Immigration Review, as of the end of FY 2024, there were approximately 1,478,623 defensive asylum applications pending in immigration courts. This figure represents a significant increase compared to previous years, highlighting a growing backlog in the system.

The Congressional Research Service also corroborates this trend, noting that the total number of pending cases in immigration courts has reached unprecedented levels, with over 3.7 million open removal cases as of January 31, 2025. This backlog is attributed to various factors, including an increase in asylum applications and operational challenges within the immigration court system.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim that the backlog of asylum claims is increasing is robust and comes from reliable sources. The data from the Executive Office for Immigration Review is official government information, which provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of asylum applications and pending cases. The statistics are regularly updated and reflect the ongoing challenges faced by the immigration court system.

Moreover, the Congressional Research Service is a nonpartisan entity that provides research and analysis to Congress, further enhancing the credibility of the information regarding the backlog. Their reports are based on systematic data collection and analysis, ensuring that the findings are accurate and relevant.

In contrast, while some sources may present anecdotal evidence or opinions regarding the asylum process, the statistical data from these official reports provides a clearer picture of the situation. The increase in pending asylum claims is not only a matter of perception but is supported by concrete numbers that indicate a systemic issue within the immigration framework.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that the backlog of asylum claims in the U.S. has been increasing is true. The evidence from official sources such as the Executive Office for Immigration Review and the Congressional Research Service confirms that the number of pending asylum applications has reached alarming levels, indicating a significant backlog in the immigration court system.