On Friday, Nov. 28, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services suspended all asylum decisions, according to the agency’s director, Joseph Edlow. Asylum officers at USCIS were instructed to refrain from approving, denying, or closing asylum applications received by the agency.
The guidance elaborated that officers could continue asylum application interviews and review cases up to the point of making a decision. “Once you’ve reached decision entry, stop and hold,” the directive said.
“USCIS has halted all asylum decisions until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible,” Edlow stated on X.
The pause will remain in place until the vetting process is improved, but so far, no timeline has been given, and no steps have been outlined.
Why This Matters
The pause on asylum decisions will leave vulnerable applicants without the protection they need, particularly those navigating the system without legal support. That is why it is recommended to speak with an experienced asylum attorney as soon as possible.
Contact an Asylum Attorney Today
Reeves Immigration Law Group has decades of experience helping immigrants secure asylum approval, achieving success in the most complex cases. Whether you are concerned about asylum, deportation, or obtaining visas, our skilled immigration attorneys are here to help.
With constant changes in legislation, we understand that the risk of deportation is scary, and the answers are not always clear. Contact Reeves Immigration Law Group today to discuss your personal legal options with an asylum attorney.
