MILO Head Attorney Wallie Mason Featured in The Boston Globe on the Crisis Facing Russian Asylum Seekers
Our head attorney, Wallie Mason, an asylum practitioner with 30 years of experience, was recently interviewed by The Boston Globe regarding the escalating crisis facing Russian asylum seekers in the United States.
The opinion piece, titled "The US is turning its back on Russian asylum seekers" and published on April 23, 2026 , highlights the terrifying reality for activists who fled Vladimir Putin's regime only to face detention and deportation under the current administration.
The article prominently features the case of our client, Vladislav Krasnov, a Russian political activist who publicly opposed the war on Ukraine and is currently fighting imminent deportation from an ICE facility in Louisiana.
In the article, Wallie sheds light on the alarming systemic issues within the immigration system:
Unlawful Detentions: Mason points out that individuals with pending applications and valid work authorizations are still being unlawfully detained.
Judicial Skepticism: She notes that immigration judges have become increasingly skeptical of political oppression claims made by Russians, expressing concern over an apparent intent to "eliminate asylum".
Appalling Legal Arguments: Mason stated she was "appalled" to hear some immigration judges argue that "Russia has a right to conscription, so you've got to go to the military".
Quota-Based Arrests: Describing Krasnov's sudden detention during a routine ICE check-in in Los Angeles, Mason highlighted the "quota-based" nature of these arrests, noting that officers put him in handcuffs immediately despite his pending appeals.
At the Mason Immigration Law Office, we will continue to fight for due process and the protection of those fleeing persecution.
Read the full article by Lilia Yapparova in The Boston Globe here: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/04/23/opinion/russian-asylum-seekers-deported-ice/
