USCIS PAUSED PROCESSING - Common questions

Summary

In this video, Cassenia explains the recent USCIS policy memo released on December 2nd, 2025, which places a hold on asylum and benefit applications from certain countries. She breaks down the implications for applicants, especially those from the 19 listed countries, and discusses how USCIS is re-reviewing and pausing adjudication on these cases. Cassenia addresses common questions and provides insights based on her research and feedback from immigration attorneys. She also offers advice on whether to continue filing applications despite the pause, and highlights the potential future changes in immigration policies.

Takeaways

• 😀 USCIS has placed a hold on all asylum applications (Form I-589), pausing their processing until further notice.
• 😀 Individuals from 19 countries (listed in the memo) will face a re-review process for any pending benefit requests, potentially requiring additional interviews.
• 😀 Countries affected by the USCIS policy memo include Afghanistan, Cuba, Venezuela, Iran, Haiti, and more.
• 😀 Dual citizens from the 19 listed countries may still have their cases paused, even if they hold citizenship in a non-affected country.
• 😀 Benefit requests like I-485 (green card applications), I-751 (removal of conditions), and I-131 (travel documents) are also paused for those from high-risk countries.
• 😀 USCIS has not paused the acceptance of new applications, only the adjudication (processing), meaning applications can still be submitted and fees paid.
• 😀 Filing your application can help pause unlawful presence in the U.S., but it won't prevent referrals to immigration court if your status has expired.
• 😀 The I-130 form, used to petition for a relative’s green card, is not considered a benefit request on its own and is not paused by the memo.
• 😀 Even if the I-130 is processed, applicants may leave interviews without a final decision on their green card (I-485).
• 😀 USCIS may re-vet applications that were approved before the pause, which could include additional background checks or interviews, especially for individuals from the affected countries.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the USCIS policy memo released on December 2nd?

The USCIS policy memo announces a hold and review of certain applications for asylum and other benefit requests. It also introduces a pause in adjudicating applications for people from specific countries. The aim is to conduct additional reviews and potentially revise the asylum process.

Which applications are affected by the USCIS hold?

The hold affects asylum applications (Form I-589), adjustment of status green card applications (Form I-485), removal of conditions applications (Form I-751), and other forms related to benefits such as travel documents (Form I-131) and replacement green cards (Form I-90).

How many countries are listed in the policy memo, and which ones are they?

The policy memo lists 19 countries, including Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Venezuela, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and others.

What happens if you are from a listed country and have dual citizenship?

If you are from one of the listed countries and hold dual citizenship, your application may still be put on hold, even if your second nationality is not from one of those countries.

Does the policy memo apply to naturalization applications (Form N-400)?

The policy memo does not specifically mention naturalization applications (Form N-400), so it is assumed that they are not directly affected by the pause. However, any benefit request related to the U.S. may be impacted.

Should applicants still file their immigration applications during the hold?

Yes, immigration attorneys generally recommend that applicants continue to file their applications, as the USCIS memo does not mention a pause on accepting new applications. Filing may also help protect against unlawful presence while the applications are on hold.

Will USCIS accept payment for applications during the hold?

Yes, USCIS is expected to continue accepting applications and collecting fees. However, processing may be delayed or paused until further notice.

What happens if your application is from a listed country and is already approved?

If your benefit request has already been approved and you are from one of the 19 listed countries, your application may undergo a re-review, which could include additional background checks and potentially another interview.

How long will the hold on applications last?

The exact duration of the hold is uncertain. However, similar past situations, such as the pause in early 2025, lasted several months before being lifted. The timeline will depend on various factors, including ongoing legal challenges and policy changes.

What is the potential outcome for people who file an I-130 form from a listed country?

The I-130 form, which is used for family-based immigration, is not considered a benefit request on its own. While it may still be processed, applicants might not receive a final decision on their green card case until the pause is lifted, even if the I-130 is approved.