There is a disturbing study out today that details the disparate treatment of certain immigrants applying for asylum by immigration judges in various jurisdictions.
The study found that someone who has fled China in fear of persecution and asks for asylum in immigration court in Orlando, Fla., has an excellent — 76 percent — chance of success, while the same refugee would have a 7 percent chance in Atlanta. Similarly, a Haitian seeking refuge from political violence is almost twice as likely to succeed in New York as in Miami.
This is very disappointing, especially considering that many of these people are really facing life or death situations.
In other news, the steep rate increase the USCIS announced in January will be in effect beginning July 30. The increase is as much as 66% in some cases and is a terrible blow to struggling immigrants seeking to live the American dream.


