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
Asylum claims to UK rise dramatically, driven by small boat crossings
In 2024, UK asylum claims peaked at 108,000—driven by small boat arrivals and surging numbers from certain countries. Despite public debate, asylum-seekers comprise just 0.6% of the population. Tighter legal…
Leicester City hosts far more asylum seekers than East Midlands average
Leicester City now supports over 1,600 asylum seekers, equaling 44 per 10,000 residents—well above the East Midlands average.…
Coolock Factory Plan for Asylum Seekers Axed Suddenly
Ireland has scrapped the Coolock Factory asylum housing plans after local protests and delays. With asylum applications down…
Clearsprings and partners to return profits from asylum seekers’ hotels
Clearsprings, Mears, and Serco will repay profits over 5% earned from UK asylum seeker hotel contracts, following contract…
CGRS Immigration Judge Dashboard offers new view into asylum decisions
The CGRS Immigration Judge Dashboard offers unprecedented insight into U.S. asylum decisions, presenting detailed, anonymized data. Advocates analyze…
Trump Shuts Down Asylum System on Day One
Trump’s January 2025 executive actions suspended asylum and USRAP, immediately halting entries and green card processing. Legal challenges…
Asylum-seekers barred from US-Mexico border as entry points close
At the US-Mexico border, asylum is nearly impossible since January 2025. Ports are closed, Remain in Mexico expanded,…
Asylum-seeker accommodation in UK to cost €1.2bn next year
Asylum-seeker accommodation costs in the UK have soared to €1.2 billion, averaging €100 per head per night due…
Chicken N Beer takeaway found employing asylum seeker with tuberculosis
Chicken N Beer’s illegal employment of asylum seekers, including one with tuberculosis and below-minimum wages, prompted major investigations…
UK government begins talks on offshore return hubs for asylum seekers
Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government proposes offshore return hubs for failed asylum seekers, targeting only those with exhausted…