URGENT USCIS UPDATE – Asylum & Immigration Applications on Hold
USCIS has announced major changes that impact asylum seekers, refugees, and individuals from 19 countries listed in the June 2025 Travel Ban. Here is what you need to know:
📌 Effective Immediately:
- USCIS has paused all decisions on pending affirmative asylum applications nationwide. This pause does not apply to individuals seeking asylum in removal proceedings before an immigration judge. However, additional guidance could still be issued.
- USCIS has also paused processing for most immigration applications filed by people from the 19 “high-risk” or “travel ban” countries—this includes cases like green cards (I-485), work/travel permits (I-131), green card renewals (I-90), and more.
- USCIS will conduct re-reviews of past approvals for people from these 19 countries who entered the U.S. on or after January 20, 2021.
- Many affected applicants may be required to attend a new interview or re-interview.
- These changes may lead to significant delays in pending cases.
📌 Who is impacted?
- All affirmative asylum applicants that applied for asylum with USCIS, regardless of nationality
- Individuals from the 19 countries listed in the June 2025 Travel Ban, including: Afghanistan, Burma, Burundi, Chad, Congo, Cuba, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Venezuela, Yemen, and others
- Refugees admitted between January 2021–February 2025
📌 What should you do?
- Do NOT miss any scheduled interview unless USCIS formally cancels it.
- Continue filing applications on time—deadlines still apply.
- Consult an immigration attorney if you believe you may be affected.
These policies were announced only recently, and significant uncertainty remains as additional agency guidance may still be issued. Hykel Law will continue to monitor all developments closely and keep our clients informed.
See the USCIS Policy Memorandum PM-602-0192 HERE.
