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 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 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 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
Is the USCIS asylum halt limited to affirmative asylum?
USCIS has instructed officers to stop issuing final decisions in affirmative asylum cases nationwide and indefinitely. Interviews and reviews can continue, but approvals or denials cannot be entered. Immigration court…
Legal Options for Asylum Cases Delayed by the USCIS Freeze
If your interview-complete asylum case stalled during a USCIS freeze, first contact USCIS and document everything. Seek help…
Asylum Applicants Do Not Qualify for Re-Entry Permits Amid Vetting
Re-entry permits only apply to permanent residents with green cards; pending asylum applicants are ineligible. After asylum approval…
Post-October 2025 EAD Rules: What Asylum Seekers Must Know
New DHS policies ending October 30, 2025, have removed the 540-day work permit extension for new EAD renewals.…
Can USCIS Deny My Asylum Application During the Decision Halt?
On Nov. 28, 2025, USCIS paused decisions on most affirmative asylum claims during an expanded security review and…
USCIS Halts All Asylum Decisions, Director Says Vetting Must Improve
After a shooting near the White House, USCIS suspended all asylum decisions nationwide to conduct more complete vetting,…
Government Revokes Asylum Protections for Criminal Convictions
Authorities are reversing protections for asylum seekers and former status holders, targeting those with criminal convictions and ending…
Epping councillors push tighter protest limits at Bell Hotel asylum
Following a High Court ruling, Epping Forest Council voted to challenge the decision and press for tighter protest…
Asylum Seekers in UK Hotels Rise as Net Migration Falls
As of 30 June 2025, 32,059 asylum seekers—30% of the asylum system—were housed in hotels, an 8% increase…
Uganda tightens asylum rules with refugee status, Ethiopia, Somalia under review
Facing donor shortfalls and strained services, Uganda stopped granting refugee status to nationals of Ethiopia, Somalia and Eritrea…