Travel Outside the U.S. from a Country Under Review: Visa Exempt
June 2025 restrictions block new visas and entry for nationals of 19 countries. Holders of valid U.S. visas,…
Articles by & updated by Jim Grey
Can I Lose My Pending Asylum By Leaving Without Advance Parole?
Departing the U.S. while your I-589 is pending without USCIS-approved Advance Parole usually leads to a presumption of…
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…
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…
Can Refugees Arriving Jan 2021–Feb 2025 Still Apply for Green Cards?
The Jan. 27, 2025 USRAP pause halts most new refugee admissions but does not prevent refugees already admitted…
Will the USCIS Asylum Halt Lead to Stricter Criteria and Denials?
After a Washington shooting tied to Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the administration paused asylum processing and tightened USCIS screening. New…
Can B-1/B-2 Visa Holders from Restricted Countries Enter the U.S.?
The June 2025 proclamation blocks many B-1/B-2 travelers from 19 named countries, with narrow exemptions for green card…
Roles of FBI, CIA, and DHS in Enhanced Asylum Vetting
After the November 2025 shooting, federal agencies began re‑vetting refugees admitted during 2021–2025. DHS paused green‑card processing for…
Pending Asylum Applications During USCIS Decision Halts: What to Know
USCIS halted all affirmative asylum decisions in November 2025 to implement expanded vetting, freezing pending cases and blocking…