USCIS Pauses All Pending Asylum Reviews and Freezes Benefits for Nationals of 19 ‘High‑Risk’ Countries

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced it is temporarily pausing adjudications of all pending asylum applications and suspending consideration of certain immigration benefits for people who list one of 19 countries designated as "high risk." The pause applies to Form I-589 (asylum and withholding of removal) reviews for all applicants while the agency conducts a comprehensive review.

The agency's internal memo instructs staff to stop processing Forms I-589 "regardless of the alien’s country of nationality" until the review is complete. In addition, any benefit request filed by a person who lists one of the 19 designated countries as their country of birth or citizenship will not be considered during the review. Affected benefits include applications to register for permanent residence, requests to replace green cards, travel-related documents, parole records, and arrival/departure records, among other services.

Which countries are affected

The pause covers nationals or people born in the following countries, regardless of their entry date into the United States:

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

Re‑review of recently approved cases

The memo also orders a targeted re‑review of benefits already approved for individuals from these countries who entered the United States on or after Jan. 20, 2021. That re‑review may include interviews or re‑interviews and is described as individualized and case‑by‑case, drawing on "all relevant information and facts." The agency said the process could result in interview requests and, where appropriate, referrals to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other law enforcement partners.

"USCIS plays an instrumental role in preventing terrorists from seeking safe haven in the United States and ensuring that USCIS' screening and vetting and adjudications prioritize the safety of the American people and uphold all U.S. laws," the memo states.

USCIS said it will review relevant policies and operational guidance to improve compliance and accuracy during the pause. The agency acknowledged the measures may delay adjudications but described those delays as necessary to protect national security.

Context

The guidance follows renewed scrutiny of immigration screening after a recent shooting in Washington, D.C., that killed two National Guard members. Officials identified the suspected shooter as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who reportedly worked with U.S. forces in Afghanistan and arrived in the U.S. in 2021 as part of a resettlement program for Afghans. Media reports say he was granted asylum earlier this year; the USCIS memo cited the case to underscore its concerns about screening and vetting processes.

USCIS said it will, within 90 days, prioritize a review list and schedule interviews, re‑interviews, and referrals to law enforcement as appropriate.

What this means for applicants: If you have a pending Form I-589 or a benefit request and you were born in or hold citizenship in one of the listed countries, expect delays and possible requests for further information or interviews. USCIS recommends applicants monitor official communications and consult qualified legal counsel for guidance.