LeadStory

CBS America

Following an immigrant's journey to seek asylum in the U.S.

CBS America · Just In
CBS America
CBS America
Just In

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
Immigration