**GAO-08-940**                      Published: Sep 25, 2008. Publicly Released: Sep 25, 2008.                  

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## Highlights

Each year, tens of thousands of people who have been persecuted or fear persecution in their home countries apply for asylum in the United States. Immigration judges (IJ) from the Department of Justice's (DOJ) Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) decide whether to grant or deny asylum to aliens in removal proceedings. Those denied asylum may appeal their case to EOIR's Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). GAO was asked to assess the variability of IJ rulings, and the effects of policy changes related to appeals and claims. This report addresses: (1) factors affecting variability in asylum outcomes; (2) EOIR actions to assist applicants and IJs; (3) effects associated with procedural changes at the BIA; and (4) effects of the requirement that asylum seekers apply within 1 year of entering the country. GAO analyzed DOJ asylum data for fiscal years 1995 through mid-2007, visited 5 immigration courts in 3 cities, including those with 3 of the top 4 asylum caseloads; observed asylum hearings; and interviewed key officials. Results of the visits provided additional information but were not projectable.

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## Topics

Justice and Law Enforcement

Immigration statusAppealsClaims processingCourtroom proceedingsData collectionData integrityImmigration enforcementImmigrantsImmigrationImmigration and naturalization lawJudgesJudicial opinionsJudicial remediesJudicial reviewLegal opinionsLitigationPerformance measuresPolitical refugeesStatistical dataAsylumPolicies and procedures