U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially resumed processing asylum claims for many applicants following a complete freeze that began in late 2025. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed this week that it has lifted the hold for applicants who have been thoroughly screened and are from countries not considered high-risk.
The pause, which started in November 2025, halted all decisions on affirmative asylum cases nationwide. During that time, no interviews were scheduled, and no final approvals were issued, leaving hundreds of thousands of people in a state of uncertainty.
Enhanced Security Vetting and New Procedures
The decision to restart processing comes with a new focus on rigorous security checks. Government officials stated that the freeze was necessary to implement enhanced vetting procedures to ensure the integrity of the system. While cases are moving again, every applicant must now undergo more intensive background screening before an interview can be granted or a decision can be made.
The government’s representatives noted that these measures are intended to prioritize public safety. They explained that while the system is reopening, the process will be slower than before due to the added layers of review required for each file.
Restrictions Remain for Specific Countries
While many applicants will see their cases move forward, a significant number remain on hold. The government has maintained a strict freeze on applications from 39 countries identified as high-risk under current travel and immigration restrictions. For people from these specific nations, the pause applies not only to asylum but also to other benefits, such as work permit renewals and green card applications.
Civil rights groups representing immigrant families have noted that this partial reopening still leaves many vulnerable people waiting. They argue that the continued hold on certain nationalities creates an unfair hurdle for those seeking safety, regardless of the strength of their individual claims.
New Fees for Asylum Seekers
In addition to the new screening rules, the government has introduced new costs for those in the asylum system. For the first time, there is a $100 initial filing fee to apply for asylum. Furthermore, a new annual fee of $102 has been established for applicants whose cases have been pending for at least one year.
Failure to pay these fees by the set deadlines may result in a claim being dismissed or denied. These changes are part of a broader effort to manage the record-high backlog of cases and cover the costs of the increased security measures now in place.
Looking Ahead
The resumption of processing is expected to slowly reduce the massive backlog of pending cases throughout the remainder of 2026. However, observers expect continued legal challenges regarding the higher fees and the ongoing restrictions placed on high-risk countries.
The situation highlights the government’s current priority of balancing humanitarian needs with national security. Future negotiations are likely to revisit these issues as lawmakers seek more permanent solutions.
For more updates on immigration law, policy changes, and enforcement trends, visit ImmigrationQuestion.com. Post your questions for free and get answers from licensed immigration attorneys.
Download the free ImmigrationQuestion.com app on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
Sources:
https://www.lawofficeimmigration.com/blog/uscis-asylum-freeze-lifted-2026.html
https://cis.org/Jacobs/USCIS-Resume-Processing-Some-Asylum-Applications
https://asaptogether.org/en/law-changes-jan-2025/
https://www.asianlawcaucus.org/news-resources/guides-reports/travel-ban-asylum-immigration-benefits
Disclaimer
ImmigrationQuestion.com is a networking platform founded by Immigration Attorneys. It serves as a meeting ground for licensed immigration attorneys and people with immigration questions. It is not a law firm. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by USCIS or AILA. Attorneys on this platform are independent and have the discretion to offer a free consultation and/or set their fees in accordance with the law.
