Every month tens of thousands of asylum seekers cross desolate terrain in an attempt to seek refuge in the United States. In 2022, over 2.5 million people were detained at the southern border and the asylum process is in flux due to a widening case backlog and the near end of Title 42. Chris Mines is joined by Ruby Powers, a board-certified immigration attorney with the Powers Law Group. They discuss some of the complexities at the southern border and potential steps to streamline the process. Topics discussed include: Introduction to US Immigration Law: Overview of the legal framework and key concepts. Asylum Law: Definition of asylum, criteria for eligibility, and examples of changed and extraordinary circumstances. Asylum Filing Process: Differences between affirmative and defensive asylum, key steps in the affirmative asylum process, and how asylum officers make determinations. Common Red Flags in Asylum Cases: Examples of behaviors or circumstances that can raise suspicion during the asylum application process. Burden of Proof and Standard of Proof: Explanation of the applicant's burden of proof and the standard of proof required for a successful asylum claim. Humanitarian Parole: Definition, criteria for eligibility, and specific examples for Afghanistan, Ukraine, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Haiti, and Cuba. Border Crisis and Immigration Reform: Discussion of the ongoing situation at the border, the causes and potential solutions for the crisis, and proposed immigration reform legislation. Special Immigration Programs: Overview of special immigration programs, such as the Diversity Visa Lottery, Temporary Protected Status, and H1B visas. Immigration Court System: Overview of the immigration court system, including the role of immigration judges, appeals, and possible outcomes for cases. Immigration Detention and Deportation: Explanation of the process of detention and deportation, detention centers, and issues with the deportation process. US Citizenship: Overview of citizenship requirements, naturalization process, and potential issues with citizenship applications. Intersectionality and Immigration: Discussion of how different identities intersect with immigration, such as LGBTQ+ individuals, women, and people with disabilities.