US Immigration: The Untold Power of Border Officials

US Consulate and Border Officials' Discretion Under Scrutiny: An Immigration Lawyer's Perspective The power of US officials to decide who enters the country is a topic of ongoing debate. A recent interview with Julio Oyhanarte, a lawyer specializing in US immigration, sheds light on the significant discretion held by these officials and the potential for both fairness and injustice in their decisions. Oyhanarte points out that even minor violations of visa terms can lead to severe consequences, such as detention, deportation, and lengthy visa cancellations. "If you do something different from what your visa allows, you're violating the terms of your status," he explains. "That can lead to detention, deportation, and even a five-year visa cancellation." He also notes the inconsistencies in asylum approval rates across different courts, with some having approval rates as low as 3% while others reach 15%. "The law is the same," Oyhanarte observes, "but the human element plays a significant role." This highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the immigration process. The human element in immigration decisions, while necessary, can lead to inconsistencies and potential injustices. The interview serves as a reminder of the importance of following visa regulations and the need for a fair and consistent system.