HUMSI — Human Security Initiative

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Thousands of asylum-seekers abandon cases facing deportation to third countries

Mar 31, 2026

Thousands of asylum-seekers abandon cases facing deportation to third countries

A CBS News analysis of federal immigration court data found that the Trump administration's policy of deporting asylum-seekers to third countries under asylum cooperative agreements has caused widespread case abandonment. More than 75,500 asylum cases received motions to terminate proceedings, with approximately 12,300 people withdrawing or abandoning their claims or agreeing to voluntary departure. About 17,500 people have been deported to third countries since Trump took office, according to monitoring group estimates, with most sent to Mexico. Asylum-seekers cited prolonged detention, health issues, and legal counsel warnings about extended custody periods as reasons for abandoning their cases.

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