New USCIS Policy Freezes Asylum and Green Card Cases for High-Risk Countries

03 December 2025

On December 2, 2025, USCIS issued a new policy (PM-602-0192) that immediately places a pause on all pending asylum applications nationwide. In addition, USCIS is putting a hold on many pending immigration benefit applications filed by individuals who were born in or are citizens of the 19 countries listed in Presidential Proclamation 10949.

Who Is Affected

Under this policy, USCIS will temporarily stop processing:

• All Form I-589 asylum applications, regardless of nationality.
• Adjustment of status, green card replacements, travel documents, removal of conditions, and other benefit applications filed by individuals from the listed high-risk countries.
• Previously approved cases for these individuals, if they entered the U.S. on or after January 20, 2021—these applications may be re-reviewed and could require a new interview.

USCIS states that interviews for this group cannot be waived under any circumstances.

Why USCIS Is Doing This

The memo explains that the agency is conducting a comprehensive national security review following several terrorism-related incidents. USCIS says the hold is necessary to ensure all applicants are fully vetted, even though it will cause delays.

What Applicants Should Expect

Individuals with pending cases may see:

• Longer processing times
• Required interviews or re-interviews
• Additional identity or background checks
• Possible referrals to other agencies in some cases

The hold will remain in place until USCIS issues a future memo lifting it.

Contact us today If this update impacts you or someone close to you.