Immigration Courts Accelerate Somali Asylum Hearings

Immigration courts in the U.S. have abruptly fast-tracked hundreds of asylum claims from Somali migrants, rescheduling hearings for later this month and next, some of which were previously set for years later. This move, affecting Somalis who entered the U.S. between 2018 and 2024, raises concerns among lawyers about due process and potential deportations, especially given the Trump administration's rhetoric and policies toward Somali immigrants. Attorneys fear it's a coordinated effort to deny applications without proper court review.