US authorities are expanding curfews for asylum-seeking families in 13 cities as an alternative to detention. The curfews, which run from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., will remain in effect until the outcome of credible fear interviews conducted by asylum officers and any appeals to immigration judges. Those who pass the screenings are generally allowed to pursue their asylum cases in court without a curfew, while those who fail are supposed to be deported.
The curfews were initially implemented in May in four cities and have now expanded to include Boston, Providence, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, New Orleans, and Houston. According to an anonymous US official, the program is expected to reach 40 cities by the end of September. As part of the initiative, ankle monitors are also required for heads of households.
The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency announced the curfews as pandemic-related asylum restrictions expired in May. The agency considered reviving family detention but opted for curfews instead. The expansion of the curfew program suggests that ICE is satisfied with the early results of the Family Expedited Removal Management program (FERM).
However, some immigration advocates have expressed concerns about the speed of the screenings. Asylum-seekers are reportedly having their interviews within 12 days of crossing the border and are given only a day or two to prepare for an appeal. Those who fail to win approval are expected to be deported within 30 days of arrival. Advocates argue that families need more time to adequately prepare for their cases.
Despite these concerns, some asylum-seekers view the curfews as preferable to detention. One Honduran woman, who asked to be identified only as Yaniris, said that the curfew and ankle monitor were a thousand times better than being detained. Yaniris, who spent over three months traveling to the US with her 2-year-old daughter, failed her screening interview due to not explaining herself well. She is currently awaiting a court date in a system that is heavily backlogged.
While the curfew program aims to provide an alternative to detention for asylum-seeking families, its effectiveness in ensuring that individuals show up for screenings is still unclear. The organization Americans for Immigrant Justice, which has advised around 30 families under curfew, reports perfect attendance for those they have supported.
Overall, the expansion of curfews for asylum-seeking families in 13 cities highlights the US authorities’ commitment to finding alternatives to detention. While the program is aimed at expediting the removal process for families deemed ineligible for relief, concerns remain about the speed and preparation of screenings. As the program continues to expand to more cities, its impact on asylum-seekers’ journey through the immigration system will become clearer.
