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Are F-1 Visas from 19 Ban Countries Still Being Processed?
The June 9, 2025 proclamation suspended visa issuance for 19 countries, halting most new F-1 visas. Twelve countries face full…
Understanding the Maximum Degree of Vetting for U.S. Asylum
A major USCIS policy shift has suspended pending asylum cases to implement AI-enhanced vetting and continuous monitoring. Impacting 19 'high-risk'…
How USCIS Determines Enhanced Security for Asylum Seekers by Country
USCIS now applies enhanced vetting to asylum claims from high‑risk countries, adding background checks, biometrics, and stricter document verification. Officers…
What Background Checks and Interviews Do U.S. Asylum Applicants Face?
Asylum applicants must attend a USCIS biometrics appointment for fingerprints, photo, and signature. USCIS sends this data to the FBI…
Can Afghan, Iranian, and Venezuelan Students Renew Visas Now?
A June 9, 2025 State Department order halted new visas for Afghans and Iranians abroad without valid visas and paused…
No Confirmed J-1 Crackdown Under Trump Policies in November 2025
Despite widespread November 2025 rumors, no official U.S. policy has newly targeted J-1 Exchange Visitor Visas. Existing vetting rules remain…
Travel Risks and OPT Outcomes for Students from Countries Under Review
Although OPT procedures are unchanged, students from reviewed countries face greater scrutiny and travel risk. USCIS mails EADs only within…
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 I‑485 interview…