The US government has announced significant changes to its asylum procedure, bypassing initial interviews with immigration officers and sending cases directly to immigration judges. Officials claim this streamlines the process, but critics fear it will expedite deportations, affecting potentially 444,724 pending cases. This news is particularly concerning for Senegalese asylum seekers already facing increased immigration restrictions. Senegal is now categorized as a country with extremely limited access to permanent residency, including a near-total blockage of green card pathways and a potential $15,000 bond requirement for tourist visas starting in 2026. Furthermore, US consular authorities reportedly now systematically deny visas to Senegalese applicants citing past or fear of future persecution, aiming to limit asylum claims. These changes present additional hurdles for Senegalese individuals seeking refuge or immigration opportunities in the United States.