As the Washington Post writes, the decision to grant asylum typically depends on where in the United States it is requested, as well as on the arbitrary discretion of a particular immigration official. For example, it is much harder to obtain asylum in New York than in Miami, which has a large colony of Cuban political immigrants. In addition, refugees who hire lawyers receive asylum 11 times more often than those who do not have the opportunity to use legal services.
To prevent terrorists and criminals from entering the United States, refugees are held in special centers while their cases are being reviewed. The Department of Homeland Security has 19 centers at its disposal, including six county jails, which are located in 12 states. The cost of keeping one person in such a center is from $30 to $200 per day, and on average is $89. In only one of these facilities – in Miami – is the staff specifically trained to treat refugees with respect. In addition, in only two centers are those awaiting asylum allowed to work. True, their remuneration is only $1 per day.
In all centers, refugees' contact with the outside world is extremely limited. They are allowed to see visitors no more than twice a week for one hour. Refugees are forbidden to receive phone calls, although they themselves have the right to use the telephone. Incoming mail is censored, and the number of outgoing letters is again limited.
According to Lenta.ru, the Commission recommends, based on the results of the investigation, to create a special refugee affairs department in order to facilitate obtaining political asylum in the United States in the future.
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