USCIS Expands Biometric Data and Vetting Before Resuming Asylum
USCIS indefinitely paused all asylum adjudications after a November D.C. shooting. The agency will add expanded biometrics and…
Articles by & updated by Elena Marquez
Can Humanitarian Parole Replace Asylum for Some Nationals?
Humanitarian parole offers temporary, discretionary entry to the U.S. for urgent needs; USCIS decides requests individually. Approval doesn’t…
Will USCIS Deny Green Card Applications From Some Countries?
Following a presidential proclamation, USCIS is reexamining green cards and pending applications from 19 countries, treating document-security weaknesses…
Impact of the Asylum Processing Halt on Afghan Nationals’ Work Authorization
Asylum processing limits have disrupted Afghan nationals’ access to work permits. Widespread delays and the end of the…
Know Your Rights: Refugees Reopened for Vetting by USCIS
USCIS began reopening cases for principal refugees admitted 2021–2025 after a January 2025 order. Reviews may lead to…
USCIS Decision Halt: Distinguishing Asylum Seekers from Refugees
Refugees already have formal recognition and protections; asylum seekers await a legal decision. A USCIS pause delays adjudication…
Will Credible Fear Passers Get Final USCIS Decisions During the Pause?
In late November 2025, USCIS halted all final asylum decisions nationwide, including cases in the Asylum Merits Interview…
Asylum Decisions Continue in 2025: No Official Halt, Delays Persist
USCIS has not announced a nationwide pause on asylum decisions in 2025, but heavy backlogs and policy changes—especially…
Affirmative vs Defensive Asylum: Differences in USCIS Processing Halt
Affirmative asylum is filed with USCIS by those not in removal proceedings; defensive asylum is litigated in immigration…