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
Poland Ends Special Legal Status for Ukrainians, Putting Pesel UKR and Permits at Risk
Poland repeals the 2022 Special Act, moving 1 million Ukrainians to standard immigration rules and EU protection frameworks starting March 5, 2026.
Greece Revokes Thousands of Asylum Permits as North Africa Cases Come Under Review
Greece to revoke 1,000+ asylum permits and suspend North African sea-arrival applications, sparking international outcry over human rights…
5,000 Asylum Seekers Lose Work Authorization After Being Charged with Particularly Serious Crime
U.S. asylum adjudicators are strictly applying criminal history bars, such as 'particularly serious crimes,' which can permanently block…
Supreme Court Upholds Substantial-Evidence Standard for Immigration Board Reviews
The Supreme Court ruled that appeals courts must defer to BIA factual findings in asylum cases, narrowing the…
UK Tightens Entry Rules for Saint Lucian Passport Holders as Asylum Claims Rise
Saint Lucian passport holders now require a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for short visits, though reports of…
UK Freezes Student Visas for Four Countries Under Emergency Brake on Asylum Claims
UK suspends study visas for four nations using 'emergency brake' powers following a 470% spike in asylum claims,…
Trump Administration Memo Prompts Uscis Director Joseph Edlow, ICE Acting Todd Lyons to Shift Refugee Detention Policy
New federal memo mandates detention for refugees missing one-year green card deadlines, sparking due process concerns and overcrowding…
Supreme Court to Decide Deference Standard for Immigration Judges in Asylum Cases
The Supreme Court considers if 'persecution' in asylum cases is a factual or legal finding, a decision that…
Supreme Court Upholds Substantial-Evidence Standard in Urias-Orellana V. Bondi
The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed a Salvadoran family's deportation, ruling that federal appeals courts must defer to BIA…
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood Freezes Afghan Student and Skilled Worker Visas
UK suspends new student and worker visas for Afghan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan nationals starting March 2026 to…