USCIS Implements New Policies Affecting Asylum, Refugees, and Applicants from “High-Risk” Countries

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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced significant policy changes that will impact the processing of various immigration benefits. These measures include pauses on adjudications, expanded re-review of previously approved cases, and additional scrutiny for applicants from certain countries.

These changes are expected to affect not only the targeted groups below but also broader USCIS processing times across multiple case types.

Who Is Affected by the New Policies?

1. Nationals or Individuals Born in “High-Risk” Countries

USCIS has identified 19 countries under a June 4 Presidential Proclamation (often referred to as “travel ban” countries). These include:

Afghanistan, Burma, Burundi, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, and Yemen.

Key impacts include:

Pause on all pending USCIS applications for individuals from these countries, regardless of when they entered the United States
Applications affected include (but are not limited to):
- Nonimmigrant visa petitions (H-1B, TN, O-1, etc.)
- Adjustment of status (green card)
- Naturalization (including already scheduled oath ceremonies)
Re-review of previously approved cases, with the possibility of:
- Additional interviews
- Re-adjudication under updated review standards
Country of origin may be considered a negative discretionary factor in certain cases, such as:
- Change or extension of status
- Adjustment of status (green card applications)

USCIS has not yet released detailed guidance on how these re-reviews will be conducted or how long they will take.

2. Asylum Applicants and Withholding of Removal Cases

USCIS has paused adjudications for all Form I-589 applications (asylum and withholding of removal), regardless of nationality.

What this means:

No approvals, denials, or closures are being issued
Interviews may still be scheduled and conducted
Cases will remain pending until USCIS resumes decision-making

Individuals can still apply for asylum, but outcomes may be significantly delayed.

3. Refugees Applying for Green Cards

The new policy also affects refugees who were admitted to the United States between January 21, 2021 and February 20, 2025.

USCIS has:

Paused processing of their green card (adjustment of status) applications
Ordered re-review and potential re-interview of these cases
Extended the policy to:
- Derivative family members
- Follow-to-join refugee applicants admitted during the same period

When Will These Pauses End?

As of December 9, 2025, USCIS has not announced an end date for these pauses or re-review processes.

Because the scope and timeline remain unclear, processing delays are expected to continue in the near term.

What Should Applicants and Employers Do Now?

If you believe you or your employee may be affected:

Consult with an experienced immigration attorney to evaluate how these changes may impact your case;
Monitor your case status closely for notices or interview scheduling updates;
Prepare for possible delays in adjudication timelines; and
Gather supporting documentation early in case a re-interview or additional review is required.

Key Takeaway

These new USCIS policies represent a broad shift in how certain immigration applications are reviewed and processed, particularly for asylum applicants, refugees, and individuals connected to designated “high-risk” countries. Because these measures include indefinite pauses, re-review of prior approvals, and expanded discretionary scrutiny, early preparation and informed legal guidance are more important than ever.

To discuss your specific situation, you may schedule a consultation with the Law Office of Jacqueline Lentini, LLC by calling 630-262-1435 or emailing jacki@lentinivisas.com.