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
Pennsylvania Pension Exemption Lets Immigrants Keep Social Security Tax-Free After 59.5
Pennsylvania exempts Social Security and pensions from state tax for 2026 residents, though foreign pensions and early withdrawals may still be taxable.
Judge Blocks Homeland Security Plan to End Ethiopia Temporary Protected Status
A federal judge blocked the Trump administration's move to end TPS for Ethiopians, ruling the decision violated federal…
Illinois Plans 4.95% Flat Tax on Retirement Income in 2026, Ending Exemptions
Illinois exempts retirement income from state tax in 2026. Residents must use Form IL-1040 and Schedule M to…
One Big, Beautiful Bill Act Expands New York State Tax Exemptions for Social Security Benefits
Essential 2026 tax deadlines, New York pension exemptions, and federal updates for immigrants and retirees, highlighting the link…
Home Office Responds to Disorder at Asylum Seeker Hotel, Promises Action
The Home Office plans to end asylum seeker hotel use by 2029, shifting to specialized centers to save…
UN Human Rights Committee Rules Against Seoul for Detaining Congolese Asylum Seeker
The UN ruled South Korea violated a Congolese man's rights by detaining him for 14 months in Incheon…
Michigan 2026 Retirement Income Tax Exemption for Immigrants Clarified Under Public Act 4
Michigan 2026 tax rules now allow full exemption of most pension and retirement income. Claim this via Form…
ICE Detains Military Spouse at Louisiana Base Despite Marriage, Cites Removal Order
The detention of a soldier's wife highlights how old removal orders can override military service ties in 2026…
New Jersey Sets $150,000 Income Limit for Retirement Income Exclusion in 2026
New Jersey's 2026 retirement income exclusion allows residents age 62+ to exclude up to $150,000 from state taxes…
DACA Recipients Navigate 2026 Tax Credits as IRS-DHS Data-Sharing Agreement Looms
New 2026 tax rules tighten SSN requirements for credits, impacting DACA and ITIN filers, while courts block an…