DHS targets immigration attorneys over meritless asylum claims

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is implementing measures to penalize immigration attorneys who submit what the agency describes as “meritless” or fraudulent asylum claims. In a letter from DHS General Counsel James Percival to the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), the department cited a massive immigration court backlog, noting nearly 3.5 million pending cases and 2.3 million asylum claims as of July 2026.

DHS asserts that meritless applications—often involving claims of generalized gang violence, domestic violence, or economic hardship—are used to obtain work permits, delay deportations, or secure releases from custody. The agency stated that attorneys committing fraud will face fines, citing a recent $470,000 fine issued to attorney Suraj Raj Singh for allegedly filing 118 fraudulent documents.

The department is utilizing anti-fraud directives and regulations regarding misconduct and frivolous filings to discipline legal professionals. The agency warned that filing frivolous applications can result in permanent ineligibility for certain benefits.