A Study on Migrants and Asylum Claims

A recent study by immigration advocacy groups reveals that only about 1 in 27 migrants at the border claimed they met the essential criteria for political asylum in the United States.

Out of 364 migrants who were either deported or stranded, merely 3.7 percent cited reasons such as “political opinion” for fleeing their countries.

In comparison, 54% indicated that economic conditions and job opportunities were the primary reasons motivating them to seek better wages.

This finding challenges the common assertions made by progressives and some journalists who often state that illegal immigrants are primarily pursuing the asylum they rightfully deserve.

A report from a pro-immigration group, including the American Friends Service Committee, highlighted these findings and discussed the impact of harsh immigration policies on individuals’ lives. The report claims that many immigrants had envisioned a future in the U.S., only to have their dreams shattered by those policies.

In fact, congressional immigration laws only permit asylum for individuals escaping governmental persecution. Interestingly, both President Biden and President Trump approved nearly half of all asylum applications, yet the number of asylum seekers was under 5 percent as of February 2026.

According to accounts from interviews conducted in El Salvador, Mexico, Guatemala, and Costa Rica, it seems that few of the surveyed migrants could successfully navigate the asylum process. This suggests that many, perhaps most, of these individuals are undocumented migrants seeking employment, which may lead to unnecessary trauma and financial hardship.

One Salvadoran immigrant shared a distressing experience in which a Mexican police officer extorted them for money while holding them captive, ultimately leading to deportation back to Guatemala. They felt compelled to claim fear of persecution as the reason for their flight.

A Venezuelan boy also recounted his journey with his father, detailing an incident where he fell on the train tracks while trying to reach the U.S. They were eventually apprehended by authorities while hiding in bushes.

Many migrants faced severe challenges and even death while attempting to enter the U.S. under the current administration, which some believe includes individuals like Border Commissioner Alejandro Mayorkas who support immigrant causes.

Additionally, there are reports of individuals voluntarily deporting themselves due to fears of detention and separation from their families, as highlighted by one Honduran man’s story about the threat he perceived while watching news reports on immigration enforcement.

Interestingly, a significant portion of those interviewed had spent years in the U.S. Many reported feeling a sense of community and belonging, only to have their lives disrupted suddenly by deportation.

In seeking better opportunities, many new immigrants accrued debts to cartels, only to find themselves in precarious situations that led to legal deportation rather than the stability they sought. It isn’t uncommon for these individuals to feel abandoned after facing such hardships.

One Venezuelan immigrant living in Costa Rica expressed deep sorrow over being unable to see his young children, highlighting the emotional toll that the journey and subsequent deportation have taken on families.

As the political landscape shifts, there is hope that future changes could facilitate a more prosperous environment for those who chose to stay in their home countries, rather than risking everything for a journey that may lead to deportation.

Interestingly, studies show that many deported immigrants are now focusing on securing local jobs instead of seeking assistance for deportation from pro-immigrant organizations in the U.S. The most pressing need for these individuals seems to be finding work and rebuilding their lives, as indicated by a large percentage of participants in the study.

The report even acknowledges the complexities of identity within the immigrant community, as well as the harsh reality faced by many undergoing forced returns.