Asylum
U.S. asylum application procedures, credible and reasonable fear standards, immigration court proceedings, and policy changes affecting asylum seekers. Covers defensive and affirmative asylum processes.
Top questions about Asylum
Answers from VisaVerge guidesWhat changes have affected the processing of asylum applications in 2025?
Asylum officers continue to issue decisions, but heavy backlogs and policy shifts have created delays in interviews and hearings.
Read: Asylum Decisions Continue in 2025: No Official Halt, Delays PersistWhat is the current status of asylum decisions after the shooting on November 26, 2025?
Asylum decisions have been halted indefinitely as of November 26, 2025, with no clear timeline for resuming adjudications.
Read: Trump Admin Halts All Asylum Decisions Amid Vetting PushWhat has changed regarding the UK asylum system in 2025?
The Rwanda Plan for processing some asylum claims in Rwanda ended, all claims are now processed domestically; the Illegal Migration Act changes allowed even those who entered without permission to make a claim; and efforts have been made to reduce the backlog of cases.
Read: UK Asylum Claims Reach Record High in 2025 Amid Backlog Reduction EffortsWhat is the U.S. policy stance regarding asylum seekers as of January 2026?
The U.S. has implemented a nationwide Asylum Hold and stricter screening protocols.
Read: Border Guards Detain 15 Asylum Seekers at Vilnius Airport Bound for GermanyWhat are some recent changes in U.S. asylum policies as of January 20, 2025?
As of January 20, 2025, new U.S. asylum policies include the reinstated 'Remain in Mexico' policy and expanded expedited removals, which have altered how asylum seekers can apply and proceed with their claims.
Read: Understanding the U.S. Asylum Process Amid Evolving Policies
1,000 Seek Refugee Status in Philippines as DOJ Enforces Order No. 94 with Immigration Bureau
The Philippines utilizes DOJ Order No. 94 to manage refugee applications, requiring sworn evidence of persecution and preventing removal during the review...
Local Authority Age Assessments Clash with Immigration Officials Over 1,200 Young Asylum Seekers
New 2026 data reveals gaps in UK asylum age assessments, with 17% of 'adult' rulings later reversed, sparking…
4,475 Appeals Clear as UNHCR Steps in After RAASA Funding Cuts
South Africa's asylum appeal backlog persists in 2026 as RAASA funding cuts and staff shortages limit processing to…
Trump Administration Declares Emergency Refugee Status for 10,000 Afrikaners
The U.S. increases the 2026 refugee cap for white South Africans to 17,500, citing an emergency situation and…
Sudanese Asylum Seekers Challenge Home Office Over 30-Month Refugee Status
Sudanese asylum seekers challenge UK's new policy cutting refugee leave to 30 months and extending the path to…
U.S. Adds $100 Yearly Fee to Form I-589 Asylum Filers in Removal Proceedings
U.S. asylum seekers must pay a $102 annual fee for cases pending over one year or face possible…
DHS Shutdown Ends, Clearing Backlog for Visa Issuance and Asylum Processing
DHS shutdown ends April 2026. USCIS core services continue, but applicants face administrative backlogs, new asylum vetting, and…
DHS Proposes Tightening Asylum Work Permits in Federal Register to Curb Fraud
DHS proposes freezing asylum work permits until backlogs drop, targeting fraudulent claims and tightening eligibility for unlawful entrants…
USCIS Vetting Hold Starts April 27, 2026, AILA Alert Says Fingerprints Must Be Resubmitted
New USCIS vetting hold since April 27, 2026, pauses I-485 and N-400 cases for FBI re-checks. No new…
DHS Links Annual Asylum Fee to Form I-589 Rejection and Employment Authorization Risk
DHS rule effective May 2026 mandates $102 Annual Asylum Fee. Non-payment within 30 days triggers case rejection and…