By: Ann Massey Badmus December 4, 2025

USCIS Places Hold on Pending Asylum and Other Benefit Applications for High-Risk Countries: What Immigrants Need to Know

What did USCIS announce?

USCIS has implemented enhanced security screening and case re-review for certain applicants. In practical terms, that means:

Holds on final decisions for many pending asylum and immigration benefit applications filed by nationals of designated “high-risk” countries.
Mandatory re-review for impacted cases, especially for individuals who entered the U.S. on or after January 20, 2021.
Possible additional steps such as extra interviews, new background checks, and requests for more documents.
USCIS will continue to accept filings, but you may not receive an approval until the review is complete.

Which countries are affected?

The memo identifies the following 19 high-risk countries:

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

If you are a national of one of these countries (including dual nationals), expect additional review and potential delays. Stateless individuals whose last habitual residence was in one of these countries may also be affected.

Who is affected?

You may be affected if:

You filed a pending asylum application with USCIS.
You applied for an immigration benefit with USCIS (for example, a green card, naturalization, work authorization, or certain humanitarian benefits).
You are a national of one of the 19 countries listed above, and especially if you entered the U.S. on or after January 20, 2021.
Your application includes derivative family members (spouses or children) from an affected country.

Note: If you are not from a listed country, this policy may not apply to you. However, some cases could still experience slower processing due to resource shifts.

What does this mean for your case?

Here’s what you should expect:

Longer processing times while USCIS conducts enhanced background and security checks.
Extra steps such as re-interviews, repeat biometrics, or Requests for Evidence (RFEs).
Delayed approvals for many benefits until re-review is complete.
Work and travel impacts:
- File EAD renewals as early as allowed (generally up to 180 days before expiration) to reduce gaps in employment authorization.
- Advance parole (travel permission) decisions may be delayed; international travel could risk abandonment or complications.
Case updates may be infrequent while your file is under security review.

Why the change?

USCIS claims heightened national security vetting needs following a security incident reported on November 26, 2025. The December 2, 2025 memo (PM-602-0192) directs officers to re-review certain applications and to prioritize security screening over routine processing timelines.

How long will these delays last?

USCIS plans to organize and prioritize affected cases within 90 days of the policy (by early March 2026). That does not mean your case will be decided by then. Based on similar reviews in the past, you should plan for:

6–12 months for straightforward cases
12–24 months or longer if extensive checks or multiple agencies are involved
Indefinite delays where significant security concerns arise

You should plan as though delays may continue through 2026, and adjust your timelines accordingly.

What should you do now?

Take these steps to protect your case and reduce disruption:

Stay on top of deadlines: File EAD renewals early, respond to RFEs quickly, and update your address with USCIS (Form AR-11) within 10 days of moving.
Gather evidence now: Keep identity documents, entry records, police clearances (if applicable), and proof of good moral character ready in case USCIS asks.
Avoid unnecessary international travel: Travel could complicate pending cases or cause abandonment of certain applications.
Keep copies of everything: Save all USCIS notices, receipts, and your full filings.
Talk to an attorney: Experienced counsel can help you plan for delays, maintain work authorization, and prepare for interviews or RFEs.

Frequently asked questions

Will USCIS reject my application?
- Generally, USCIS is still accepting filings. The issue is delayed approvals due to enhanced screening.
Can I still work while my EAD renewal is pending?
- If you timely filed your EAD renewal before October 30, 2025, in an eligible category, you may benefit from automatic extensions and can continue to work. Check your category eligibility for automatic extensions at the USCIS website. If you applied on or after October 30, 2025, you can only work until your EAD expires. If your EAD renewal application is still pending when your EAD expires, you are no longer eligible to work based upon the EAD.
What if my case is in immigration court?
- This memo addresses USCIS processing. If you have a defensive asylum case with the immigration court (EOIR), your timelines are controlled by the court, though background checks can still affect timing.

What’s next: stay informed

We expect more guidance and possible adjustments as USCIS implements PM-602-0192. We will stay informed and keep you updated on:

Further USCIS implementation details
Any court developments
Country-specific adjustments or exceptions

This post is for general information only and is not legal advice. Your situation is unique—please consult a qualified immigration attorney for advice about your case.

Immigration law is complex and changes frequently. For a comprehensive evaluation of your immigration situation and options, you are invited to call us at 214-494-8033, or complete our contact form.