TL;DR
USCIS issued policy memorandum PM-602-0192 on December 2, 2025, placing a hold on all pending asylum applications nationwide and pausing most immigration benefit applications filed by nationals of 19 high-risk countries. Your case has not been denied — but processing is stopped while USCIS conducts enhanced vetting. Approved immigration benefits are not automatically taken away, but some may be re-reviewed.

USCIS Asylum Hold 2025: Who Is Affected and What to Do

Waiting on an immigration case is already one of the hardest things a person can go through. Then a new USCIS policy memo drops — and suddenly you don't know if your case is moving at all. That's exactly where many asylum seekers and immigrants from certain countries find themselves right now.

On December 2, 2025, USCIS issued policy memorandum PM-602-0192, published on the official USCIS Policy Memoranda page. It's real, it's official, and it affects a wide range of pending cases. Here's what it actually says — and what it means for you.

What Does the USCIS Policy Memo Actually Say?

The memo directs USCIS officers to do three things. First, place a hold on every pending asylum application in the country — regardless of where the applicant is from. Second, pause all pending immigration benefit applications filed by nationals of countries listed in Presidential Proclamation 10949, which named 19 countries deemed "high risk." Third, re-review previously approved immigration benefits for people from those high-risk countries who entered the United States on or after January 20, 2021.

According to the memo itself, the reason given is national security. USCIS says it needs to conduct "comprehensive" case reviews to ensure applicants don't pose threats to public safety. The memo states that any individualized review will be done on a case-by-case basis — not as a blanket cancellation of status.

A follow-up memo, PM-602-0194, issued on January 1, 2026, expanded the policy to cover additional countries named in Presidential Proclamation 10998. The list of affected nationalities is growing.

Who Exactly Is Affected?

The scope here is broad. If any of the following describe you, your case may be on hold right now.

All pending asylum applicants. It doesn't matter what country you're from. If you filed Form I-589 and USCIS hasn't decided your case yet, the hold applies to you. This is not limited to high-risk nationals — it covers every asylum seeker with a pending case, according to the memo.

Nationals or people born in high-risk countries. According to the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), the original memo covers the 19 countries named in Presidential Proclamation 10949. If you're from one of those countries and have a pending application — whether it's a green card (Form I-485), a work permit (Form I-765), a travel document (Form I-131), a replacement green card, removal of conditions, or an N-470 residence preservation form — that case is currently on hold.

People with already-approved benefits from high-risk countries. If your application was previously approved and you entered the US on or after January 20, 2021, USCIS may re-review your case. This could include requesting a new interview. The memo is clear that this is not automatic cancellation — any adverse action must follow legal procedures and give you a chance to respond.

What Are the Real Consequences for Your Case?

The most immediate impact is delay. Cases that were moving through processing have simply stopped. If you were waiting on a work permit (EAD) tied to your asylum clock, your adjustment of status, or a travel document, expect a longer wait with no clear end date given in the memo.

You may also receive a notice asking you to attend a new interview or provide additional evidence — even if you've already been through this process before. USCIS says these re-reviews are individualized. That means your specific case will be looked at on its own facts, not decided as part of a group.

Critically, this is not a mass revocation. Approved green cards and asylums are not being automatically canceled. As the memo states, "an individualized, case-by-case review and assessment will be done of all relevant information and facts." Any adverse decision — one that could harm your status — must still follow standard legal procedures and due process. That said, these re-reviews add real uncertainty, and the situation is still developing. According to The Hill, USCIS has placed a hold on all pending asylum applications and is reviewing benefits from people in high-risk countries.

Does This Affect My Work Permit (EAD)?

This is one of the most urgent questions for asylum seekers. Your ability to work in the US often depends on your asylum clock and the 180-day waiting period to become eligible for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) under category c(8). If your underlying asylum case is on hold, it may affect when — and whether — USCIS processes a related Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.

The memo specifically lists Form I-765 (employment authorization) as one of the benefit types subject to the hold for high-risk nationals. If your asylum case is pending and you're from one of the affected countries, your work permit application may also be paused. This is a serious practical concern. Talk to an immigration attorney quickly if your EAD is expiring or you haven't yet received one.

What Should You Do Now?

  1. Gather and organize your documents. Print or save copies of every USCIS notice, approval, receipt, and form you have — Form I-589, Form I-797 receipt notices, any EAD cards, and interview notices. If USCIS contacts you, you'll need these ready fast.
  2. Respond to any USCIS notices immediately. If you get a letter asking for an interview, more evidence, or a re-interview, do not ignore it or delay. Missing a deadline can hurt your case even if the original hold wasn't your fault.
  3. Check whether your country is on the affected list. Review Presidential Proclamation 10949 and the updated Proclamation 10998 to see if your nationality is listed. Even if it's not, remember: the asylum hold applies to everyone with a pending case.
  4. Consult an immigration attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can tell you exactly how this memo affects your specific case, whether any exceptions apply, and what your options are. This is especially urgent if your EAD is about to expire.
  5. Don't assume your case is denied. A hold is not a denial. Continue tracking your case on the USCIS Alerts page and through your attorney. This policy is evolving, and court challenges may affect how it is applied.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the USCIS asylum hold mean my asylum application was denied?

No. According to USCIS policy memorandum PM-602-0192, the hold is a pause on adjudication — not a denial. Your application remains pending while USCIS conducts enhanced security vetting. You will still receive a decision; it will just take longer than expected.

I'm not from a high-risk country. Does the asylum hold still apply to me?

Yes. The memo specifically states that USCIS is placing a hold on all pending asylum applications regardless of the applicant's nationality. The hold on other immigration benefits (like green card and work permit applications) is limited to nationals of high-risk countries, but the asylum hold is universal.

Can USCIS take away my already-approved green card or asylum status?

Not automatically. The memo directs re-review of previously approved benefits for high-risk nationals who entered the US on or after January 20, 2021, but any adverse action must follow legal procedures and allow for due process. The memo itself states reviews are done on a case-by-case basis and do not represent automatic revocation of status.

Will the hold affect my work permit (EAD) renewal?

Potentially, yes. The memo lists Form I-765 (employment authorization) as one of the benefit types subject to the hold for high-risk nationals. If your asylum application is pending and you're from an affected country, your EAD application or renewal may also be delayed. Contact an immigration attorney right away if your EAD is expiring soon.

Is there anything that can lift the hold on my specific case?

According to the memo, requests to lift the hold due to "litigation or other extraordinary circumstances" must receive approval from the USCIS Director or Deputy Director. This is a very high bar. In practice, if your case involves urgent humanitarian circumstances, a qualified immigration attorney may be able to explore options with you.

Sources

This article is for general educational information only and is not legal advice. Immigration policies can change quickly. Verify important details with official USCIS or DHS materials and a qualified immigration attorney.