Key Takeaways
• On June 24, 2025, a lawsuit was filed to force DHS and USCIS to release records on green card suspension.
• Since March 2025, USCIS halted green card processing for asylees and refugees, adding undisclosed vetting steps.
• The suspension delays work authorization and travel benefits for thousands, creating uncertainty and legal challenges.
On June 24, 2025, the American Immigration Council and the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Their goal: to force the release of detailed information about the sudden suspension of green card processing for asylees and refugees in the United States 🇺🇸. This legal action comes after months of unanswered requests for transparency about a policy change that has left thousands of vulnerable immigrants in limbo.
Who is affected? Asylees and refugees—people who have already passed strict security checks before entering or staying in the United States 🇺🇸—are now facing delays and uncertainty in their journey to become lawful permanent residents. What happened? In March 2025, DHS confirmed that USCIS had stopped processing green card applications for these groups, calling it a temporary measure to add more vetting. Why does it matter? Without clear information, affected individuals, their families, and legal advocates are left in the dark, unable to plan for their futures or access the benefits that come with permanent residency.
Lawsuit Seeks Answers After Months of Silence
The American Immigration Council and AILA took legal action after their Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, filed in April 2025, went unanswered by DHS and USCIS. These requests asked for:
- Agency communications about the suspension
- Internal guidance given to USCIS staff on how to carry out the suspension
- Instructions about the new, extra vetting steps now required for green card applicants in these categories
Despite repeated follow-ups, the agencies did not provide the requested documents or explain the reasoning behind the suspension. As a result, the lawsuit filed on June 24, 2025, aims to force DHS and USCIS to release these records and bring much-needed clarity to the situation.
What Is the Suspension and Who Does It Affect?
The suspension halts the processing of green card applications for two specific groups:
- Refugees: People who have already gone through detailed background checks and interviews before being allowed to enter the United States 🇺🇸.
- Asylees: People who have been granted protection after arriving in the United States 🇺🇸, often after long legal battles and security checks.
Both groups are usually allowed to apply for a green card—officially known as lawful permanent resident status—after living in the country for at least one year. The process involves submitting Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), which is reviewed by USCIS. If approved, the applicant receives a green card, which allows them to work, travel, and eventually apply for U.S. citizenship.
Now, with the suspension in place:
- Applications are accepted but not processed.
- Additional, undisclosed vetting steps are being carried out.
- There is no official timeline for when processing will resume.
Timeline of Key Events
- March 25, 2025: Media outlets report that USCIS has stopped processing green card applications for asylees and refugees.
- April 8, 2025: The American Immigration Council and AILA file FOIA requests with DHS and USCIS, seeking records about the suspension.
- June 24, 2025: After months of silence, the two organizations file a lawsuit to force the agencies to release the requested information.
As of June 25, 2025, DHS and USCIS have not released any statistics on how many people are affected or how long the suspension will last.
Why Was the Suspension Put in Place?
DHS has described the suspension as a “temporary and necessary” step to improve vetting of green card applicants. However, the agency has not explained:
- What specific concerns led to the suspension
- What the new vetting procedures involve
- How long the suspension will last
- How many people are affected
This lack of detail has caused confusion and worry among applicants, their families, and their legal representatives.
How Did the Process Work Before the Suspension?
Before the suspension, the process for asylees and refugees to get a green card was straightforward:
- File Form I-485: Applicants submit Form I-485 to USCIS after one year of physical presence in the United States 🇺🇸.
- Background Checks and Interviews: USCIS conducts background checks and may interview the applicant.
- Approval and Green Card Issuance: If approved, the applicant receives a green card, granting lawful permanent resident status.
This process was already considered strict, as both asylees and refugees had to pass several layers of security screening before reaching this stage.
What Has Changed Since the Suspension?
Now, the process looks like this:
- File Form I-485: Applicants still submit the form as usual.
- Processing Suspended: USCIS puts the application on hold.
- Additional Vetting: New, undisclosed security checks are carried out.
- Unknown Timeline: There is no clear information on when or if processing will resume.
This change has left many applicants in a state of uncertainty, unable to move forward with their lives.
Impact on Asylees and Refugees
The suspension has serious consequences for those affected:
- Delays in Receiving Green Cards: Without a green card, asylees and refugees cannot fully settle in the United States 🇺🇸.
- Work and Travel Restrictions: Many benefits, such as work authorization and the ability to travel outside the country, depend on having a green card.
- Family Separation: Delays can prevent families from reuniting or make it harder for them to stay together.
- Emotional Stress: The uncertainty and lack of information add to the anxiety and hardship already faced by these vulnerable groups.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, legal experts warn that these delays can disrupt lives and undermine the promise of safety and stability that the United States 🇺🇸 offers to those fleeing danger.
Why Are Advocacy Groups Demanding Transparency?
The American Immigration Council and AILA argue that transparency is essential for several reasons:
- Due Process: Applicants have a right to know why their cases are delayed and what steps are being taken.
- Legal Representation: Lawyers need clear information to advise and support their clients.
- Public Accountability: Government agencies must explain major policy changes, especially those affecting vulnerable populations.
By filing the FOIA lawsuit, these organizations hope to force DHS and USCIS to reveal the reasoning, scope, and expected timeline for the suspension.
What Are the Broader Policy Implications?
Immigration law experts see the suspension as part of a larger trend toward stricter immigration controls. They point out that:
- The suspension began under the Trump administration, which was known for tightening immigration rules and increasing vetting.
- There was no public announcement or detailed explanation when the policy was put in place, breaking with past practice.
- The move could set a precedent for future restrictions on other groups of immigrants.
Some analysts believe the suspension may violate the rights of asylees and refugees to have their cases decided in a reasonable time. If the lawsuit succeeds, it could lead to more openness and possibly a return to normal processing.
How Are Stakeholders Responding?
American Immigration Council and AILA
These organizations are leading the fight for transparency. They have:
- Filed multiple FOIA requests
- Provided legal support to affected individuals
- Kept the public informed through updates and reports
Their main goal is to ensure that asylees and refugees are treated fairly and that government agencies are held accountable.
DHS and USCIS
So far, DHS and USCIS have confirmed the suspension but have not provided much information. They say the extra vetting is needed for security, but have not explained what has changed or why.
Affected Individuals
Asylees and refugees are left waiting, with little information about when their cases will move forward. Many worry about losing jobs, missing family events, or being unable to travel for emergencies.
What Happens Next?
The outcome of the FOIA lawsuit could have a big impact:
- If the court orders DHS and USCIS to release documents, the public may finally learn why the suspension was put in place and how long it will last.
- If the agencies continue to withhold information, advocacy groups may seek further legal action or push for congressional oversight.
- If the suspension is found to violate the law, courts could order the agencies to resume processing green card applications for asylees and refugees.
In the meantime, affected individuals and their lawyers are encouraged to stay informed and seek updates from trusted sources.
Where Can You Find More Information?
For those seeking more details or needing help, the following resources are available:
- American Immigration Council: americanimmigrationcouncil.org
For FOIA requests and updates: americanimmigrationcouncil.org/foia-request - American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA): aila.org
For policy updates and correspondence: aila.org/correspondence - USCIS: uscis.gov
For FOIA office and green card forms: uscis.gov/foia - DHS: dhs.gov
For FOIA office: dhs.gov/foia
For official information about the green card application process, visit the USCIS Green Card page.
Practical Steps for Affected Individuals
If you are an asylee or refugee waiting for your green card:
- Check your case status regularly on the USCIS website.
- Stay in touch with your legal representative for updates and advice.
- Keep copies of all documents you submit or receive from USCIS.
- Monitor trusted sources like the American Immigration Council and AILA for news about the lawsuit and any policy changes.
Conclusion: The Need for Clarity and Fairness
The suspension of green card processing for asylees and refugees has created confusion and hardship for many people who have already overcome great challenges to reach safety in the United States 🇺🇸. The American Immigration Council and AILA’s lawsuit is a critical step toward holding government agencies accountable and ensuring that all immigrants are treated with fairness and respect.
As the legal battle unfolds, it is important for affected individuals to stay informed, seek support, and know their rights. The outcome of this case could shape the future of immigration policy and the lives of thousands of people seeking a permanent home in the United States 🇺🇸.
Learn Today
Asylees → Individuals granted protection in the U.S. after fleeing persecution, eligible for green cards after one year.
Refugees → People vetted before U.S. entry due to persecution risk, eligible to adjust status to permanent residents.
Form I-485 → Application form used by eligible immigrants, including asylees and refugees, to request permanent resident status.
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the federal agency managing immigration benefits and green card processing.
FOIA → Freedom of Information Act, a law allowing public access to federal agency records and communications.
This Article in a Nutshell
The green card suspension for asylees and refugees has left thousands in uncertainty. A June 2025 lawsuit demands transparency from DHS and USCIS on the suspension’s scope, reasons, and timeline to restore clarity and fairness in immigration processing.
— By VisaVerge.com
