Asylum officers continue to issue decisions, but heavy backlogs and policy shifts have created delays in interviews and hearings.

Asylum decisions have been halted indefinitely as of November 26, 2025, with no clear timeline for resuming adjudications.

The U.S. has implemented a nationwide Asylum Hold and stricter screening protocols.

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.

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.