Fact Check: The backlog of asylum claims in the U.S. is a recognized issue.

Fact Check: "The backlog of asylum claims in the U.S. is a recognized issue."

What We Know

The backlog of asylum claims in the United States has reached critical levels, with significant numbers of cases pending in immigration courts. As of February 2025, there were approximately 3.7 million total cases in the immigration court system, with 1.96 million of those being formal asylum applications awaiting hearings or decisions (TRAC). This represents a substantial increase in the asylum backlog, which has grown by nearly 150,000 cases (or 8%) in just two months (TRAC).

Additionally, the backlog of affirmative asylum claims at USCIS has been a longstanding issue, with reports indicating that it has persisted for over a decade, dating back to 2010 (DHS OIG). As of December 31, 2024, there were 1,446,908 affirmative asylum applications pending with USCIS (American Immigration Council).

The issue is compounded by the fact that the immigration courts are experiencing an increase in the number of new cases filed, with 325,149 new cases recorded in the fiscal year 2025 up to February, while only 374,506 cases were completed during the same period (TRAC).

Analysis

The evidence overwhelmingly supports the claim that the backlog of asylum claims in the U.S. is a recognized issue. The data from the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC) highlights not only the sheer volume of pending asylum cases but also the recent acceleration in the backlog, indicating that this issue is worsening (TRAC).

The report from the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General (DHS OIG) further corroborates this by detailing the historical context of the backlog, noting that it has been a persistent challenge for USCIS since at least 2010 (DHS OIG). This long-term trend suggests systemic issues within the immigration system that have not been adequately addressed.

Moreover, the American Immigration Council's data reinforces the claim by providing specific numbers regarding the affirmative asylum backlog, which adds another layer of credibility to the assertion that the backlog is a significant problem (American Immigration Council).

While the sources cited are generally reliable, it is important to note that TRAC is a non-profit organization that focuses on immigration data, and their findings are based on case-by-case records obtained through the Freedom of Information Act. The DHS OIG report is also a credible government source, providing an official perspective on the challenges faced by USCIS.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "the backlog of asylum claims in the U.S. is a recognized issue" is true. The evidence from multiple credible sources indicates that the backlog is not only significant but is also increasing at an alarming rate. The systemic challenges faced by the immigration system, as highlighted by both TRAC and the DHS OIG, further support this conclusion.