Immigration Status
Explainers on U.S. immigration statuses — lawful permanent resident, conditional resident, asylee, refugee, parolee, TPS holder, DACA recipient, and undocumented. Rights, limitations, and pathways for each.
Top questions about Immigration Status
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 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 PoliciesWhat 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 USCIS done regarding asylum decisions as of late November 2025?
USCIS has internally paused all asylum decisions since late November 2025, halting approvals, denials, and closures nationwide.
Read: Asylum-Based EAD Renewal: What to Do When USCIS Pauses DecisionsWhat 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 Push
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 permanent settlement to 20 years in 2026.
5,000 Face ICE Detention as DACA Renewal Backlog Forces Missed Biometrics
DACA renewal delays hit a 70-day median in 2026, leaving 500k recipients at risk of losing jobs, licenses,…
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…
DHS Tightens Annual Asylum Fee Rule, Putting Form I-589 and C8 Eads at Risk
DHS rule effective May 29, 2026, penalizes nonpayment of the Annual Asylum Fee with case rejection and loss…
Board of Immigration Appeals Eases Deportation of DACA Beneficiaries in Removal Hearings
The BIA ruled in 2026 that active DACA status alone cannot stop removal proceedings, allowing DHS to continue…
Dozens Rally in North Miami for Haiti TPS Extension Ahead of U.S. Supreme Court Hearing
Advocates in North Miami rally for Haiti TPS extensions as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares for critical oral…