Florida attorney Willy Allen is not particularly worried about the heightened scrutiny on asylum applications in the United States. Despite Cubans being among the largest groups of asylum seekers, their approval rate does not exceed 25%. Allen asserts, "Securing asylum is inherently challenging. If asylum laws were enforced as intended, 80% of Cubans wouldn't succeed," he remarked to CiberCuba, emphasizing that many applicants were never true dissidents nor faced government persecution.
During his weekly program on CiberCuba, aired every Monday at 11:00 AM (Miami time), Allen, an immigration law expert, discussed how this stringent evidence review could deter Miami from becoming a haven for Cuban enforcers over 65 seeking to retire in the U.S. after serving the Castro regime. However, he clarified that the rigorous process would apply uniformly to all asylum seekers, not just suspicious cases, impacting every applicant without exception.
Allen advises transparency, stressing that not all asylum cases are "winnable," but they should at least be "defensible." Applicants should be prepared with multiple contingency plans when appearing before a judge. He specifically urges those involved in the oppressive regime to acknowledge their poor decisions upon entering the U.S., advocating honesty over anonymity. Allen shared that he has successfully represented influential regime defectors who arrived in the U.S. openly admitting their past roles. On the other hand, those who conceal their history face greater challenges.
He strongly discourages deceit, emphasizing the importance of honesty in defending asylum claims. Allen supports thorough social media and evidence reviews for asylum seekers, as it helps prevent political oppressors from settling in the U.S. alongside their victims, who often struggle to prove their victimhood while oppressors easily secure their status.
Earlier in August, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a major update to its assessment policies for asylum and refugee applicants. Effective August 1, new guidelines enhance security checks and background investigations for foreign nationals filing the Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This initiative aims to curb fraud, national security threats, and other public safety risks.
Cuban Asylum Seekers in the U.S.: Key Questions
Why does Willy Allen believe many Cuban asylum claims would fail?
Willy Allen believes that if asylum laws were enforced as they should be, many Cuban claims would fail because a significant number of applicants were neither real dissidents nor faced persecution.
What advice does Allen give to former regime enforcers seeking asylum?
Allen advises former regime enforcers to be honest about their past actions when entering the U.S., rather than trying to remain anonymous, as honesty can aid in the defense of their asylum claims.