asylum

On December 2, 2025, USCIS issued a Policy Memo that pauses final adjudication of all affirmative asylum applications. The hold applies to all applicants who filed or plan to file Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, regardless of the applicant's immigration status, nationality, or country of origin. Although applicants can still file applications to USCIS, no asylum decisions will be issued while the pause is in effect. It is not yet clear whether USCIS will continue to conduct asylum interviews or process work permits for individuals with pending asylum applications. Note that this pause does not affect defensive asylum applications filed in immigration court by individuals who are already in removal proceedings. Read more

In general, "affirmative asylum" applications must be filed within one year of the applicant's most recent arrival in the United States. There are a few exceptions to the 1-year deadline, including maintaining humanitarian parole, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), or another valid immigration status for a reasonable period before filing the asylum application. Read more