According to Syracuse University's immigration tracking data, there are more than 2 million active asylum cases waiting to be heard. A shortage of immigration judges and the Trump administration's prioritizing deportations have added to the backlog.
Breakdown
- Abdu Talib Ali awaits an asylum hearing in the U.S. after fleeing Mauritania due to political persecution.
- Ali spent time in a migrant shelter in Queens and worked to obtain legal documents for asylum. 42s
- He now has a work permit, pays taxes, and works long hours to support himself. 1m 12s
- Ali acknowledges public concerns about immigration but emphasizes his desire for safety and legal compliance. 1m 37s
- He hopes to reunite with his family and remains optimistic about his future in the U.S. 2m 14s