Washington, D.C. – The Trump administration has directed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement attorneys to take a larger role in combating asylum fraud, including taking action against attorneys accused of filing false claims in immigration court.The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced May 26 that ICE has been instructed to develop additional anti-fraud policies under federal law governing document fraud and misrepresentation in immigration proceedings.
The directive follows a March 2025 memorandum issued by President Donald Trump, which alleged that some immigration attorneys and large law firms coach clients to conceal information or misrepresent their circumstances when seeking asylum in the United States.DHS General Counsel James Percival said the administration believes fraud has become widespread in asylum proceedings. “For many years, millions of illegal aliens have committed fraud in our immigration system. No place is this more rampant than in immigration court,” Percival said in a DHS statement.
Percival said asylum protections were intended for limited circumstances involving persecution and alleged that attorneys representing undocumented migrants frequently claim their clients would face persecution or torture if returned to their home countries.“Historically, ICE has depended on the discipline of immigration judges and the enforcement of criminal fraud laws to deter this conduct, but ICE has its own tools,” Percival said. “Now, thanks to this directive, ICE attorneys have greater authority to enforce the law and stop the abuse of our asylum system by illegal aliens and attorneys.”
According to DHS, the new directive strengthens ICE attorneys’ ability to enforce existing laws, including provisions that establish penalties for document fraud.Under U.S. law, noncitizens in the country may apply for asylum but generally must demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.DHS said the directive is part of the administration’s broader effort to curb fraudulent asylum claims and strengthen enforcement of immigration laws.Stay informed with the latest US Immigration News, covering visa policies, green card updates, citizenship developments, border issues, and immigration law changes. Get timely coverage and expert insights on the policies and decisions affecting immigrants and communities across the United State