Trump Asylum Restrictions Draw Skepticism From Appeals Court

Nov. 3, 2025, 8:15 PM UTC

Washington federal appeals court judges appeared wary of Trump administration officials’ claim that they have the power to curtail asylum access for migrants who cross the border.

The three-judge panel for the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit heard arguments Monday in a challenge to President Donald Trump’s January proclamation, which cited an “invasion” at the border to block migrants who cross between official entry ports from applying for asylum.

Judges Cornelia Pillard and C. Michelle Childs, the two Democratic appointees on the panel, expressed skepticism that the president could enforce such a sweeping asylum bar under part ...

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