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
Outsourcing Asylum: Unpacking the EU’s Shift to Safe Third Countries
The European Commission’s 2025 proposal simplifies declaring asylum applications inadmissible by extending safe third country rules and allowing deportations before appeals. Applications are declining, with Venezuelans largest group. The plan…
Austria to Make German and Values Courses Mandatory for Asylum Seekers
From 2026, Austria requires asylum seekers likely to receive protection to complete German and values courses. Course completion…
London Council Considers Legal Action Over £5m Asylum Seeker Bill
Hillingdon Council may sue the Home Office over a £5 million deficit for asylum services amid new immigration…
US Court Orders Facilitation of Guatemalan Asylum Seeker’s Return
Judge Murphy ordered the Trump administration to return O.C.G., a Guatemalan asylum seeker deported illegally despite protections. The…
Worcester Council Criticized Over Handling of Asylum Seeker Housing
Worcester faces tensions over housing asylum seekers as the Home Office and Serco move people from hotels to…
Germany Suspends Family Reunification Rights for Certain Asylum Seekers
Germany suspends family reunification rights for asylum seekers with subsidiary protection starting May 2025, halting 1,000 monthly visas.…
UK Plans to Ask Kosovo to Host Failed Asylum Seekers
The UK’s return hubs plan includes Kosovo to relocate failed asylum seekers and ease asylum system pressure. Challenges…
DHS Claims Migrants Exploit US Asylum System to Avoid Deportation
U.S. asylum access is restricted since January 2025 with closed entry points and expanded expedited removal. The Remain…
Ireland Pushes Radical Asylum Reforms in 2025 Shakeup
The 2025 Bill reforms Ireland’s asylum process with capped deadlines, reduced oral appeal rights, and direct deportation powers.…
Department of Homeland Security Ends Temporary Protected Status for Afghanistan
TPS termination for Afghanistan is set for July 12, 2025, impacting 12,000 Afghans facing deportation and loss of…