A letter was sent by dozens of Democratic members of Congress to the Biden administration calling for an end to the expedited screening of asylum seekers in Border Patrol custody, describing it as a “rushed practice” that has allowed little access to lawyers.

According to Associated Press, although the government promised that access to lawyers would be a fundamental difference from the Trump-era version of politics, it appears that this promise has not been fulfilled. Only a small fraction of the thousands of asylum seekers subjected to expedited screening since early April have had access to formal representation or informal advice through one-time phone calls. This raises concerns about ensuring a fair trial for those fleeing persecution and violence.

The letter sent to the Homeland Security and Justice Departments highlights the importance of proper process and sufficient time to obtain evidence, prepare the case and work with an attorney, especially for individuals in vulnerable situations.

The article mentions that the National ImmigrantJustice Center decided to no longer serve asylum seekers in Border Patrol custody due to the Biden administration's obstruction that made it difficult to provide information and significant legal representations.

The current administration has increased quick checks by ending pandemic-related asylum restrictions (Title 42) and introduced new rules that make it harder for people to seek asylum without applying online outside the U.S. or without first seeking protection in another country. This has resulted in a drop in the percentage of people who have passed asylum screenings.

While some critics accuse the Biden administration of ignoring legal and international obligations to provide asylum, others believe previous restrictions were already too generous.

The letter and decision from the National Center for Immigrant Justice reflect growing concern about the expedited screening process for asylum seekers and highlight the need to ensure adequate access to lawyers and a fair system for handling asylum claims in the United States.