In an unprecedented move, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced an I-589 asylum processing freeze for nationals of 19 high-risk countries. This means that all asylum applications, including I-589 forms, will be placed on hold pending further review. This decision, which has far-reaching implications for individuals seeking various immigration benefits, is part of the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to enhance national security and protect the U.S. from potential threats. The December 2, 2025 memorandum is found here: USCIS Policy Alert.

We read this memo for you, and here’s what you need to know:

All I-589 Asylum Applications Are On Hold Pending a New Deep Vetting Review

You should still be filing your asylum applications to ensure you do not miss your 1-year filing deadline and can get your EAD (Employment Authorization Document) after 150 days from the date of filing. Asylum processing for EADs continues, despite the freeze.

Which Countries Are Affected by the Freeze on Immigration Applications?

The 19 countries impacted by this immigration pause include:

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

Who and What Will Be Paused?

The freeze will affect all individuals from these countries who have pending immigration applications with USCIS, including:

Green card applications
Naturalization requests
Asylum petitions
Other immigration benefit requests

Essentially, if you are from one of the 19 high-risk countries, your immigration case will face significant delays or may be put on hold indefinitely. This includes individuals who have already been approved for immigration benefits but are waiting for final processing, such as green card approvals or naturalization ceremonies.

What Exactly Will Be Paused in the I-589 Asylum Process?

As a result of the I-589 asylum hold, applicants from the affected countries may face extended waiting periods. This will impact work authorization, green card applications, and family reunification processes.

The freeze will impact various categories of immigrants, including:

Family and employment-based green card applicants
Individuals seeking asylum, adjustment of status, and other types of relief

USCIS will implement additional vetting measures, which may involve more interviews or re-interviews. These measures are meant to ensure applicants pose no security risks to the United States. This freeze applies not just to new applications, but to existing ones as well.

The Impact of This Pause

For many immigrants, this news is deeply concerning, especially for asylum applicants, many of whom are already waiting over a decade for a decision by USCIS. The new freeze means additional delays that could extend the waiting time further. For applicants already in the U.S. with pending applications, expect more hurdles as cases undergo further security reviews.

Even though the I-589 asylum processing freeze is in effect, filing your application remains crucial to securing your legal status. Start the clock for potential work authorization.

USCIS Hold and the DHS’s New Review Process for Asylum Applicants

USCIS and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will be conducting more thorough reviews, including:

Screening asylum applicants’ social media accounts and online content to verify identity, detect fraud, and identify security risks.
Biographic verification and additional security checks, possibly re-interviews to assess credibility and security risks.
USCIS will look for discrepancies between an applicant’s application and their social media/public activities, particularly contradictions about travel history, affiliations, or employment status.
Applicants with ties to terrorist groups or extremist ideologies may face delays, denials, or further investigation of their cases.

What Are My Options for Asylum During the USCIS Freeze?

If you or someone you know is affected by this freeze, it’s essential to seek legal guidance as soon as possible. The USCIS freeze may not only delay your immigration process but could also impact your ability to plan for the future.

It’s crucial to consult with an experienced immigration attorney who can help you navigate the legal complexities during this uncertain time and assess options for expediting your case.

Why Legal Support Matters Now More Than Ever

At Shepelsky Law Group, we understand how concerning and frustrating these delays can be, especially for families and individuals waiting for relief. If you or a loved one are affected by this immigration pause and need legal assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Call SHEPELSKY LAW GROUP today at (718) 769-6352 or schedule a consultation at https://shepelskylaw.cliogrow.com/book.

Let us help you navigate your immigration journey despite the challenges presented by the current freeze.