The Trump administration has paused all decisions on asylum applications filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The move affects hundreds of thousands of people waiting for protection. USCIS officers have been instructed to not approve or deny affirmative asylum cases until further notice.
This guide explains what the pause does, who is affected, and what steps people should consider now. It includes information from immigration attorney Andres Santamaria, lead immigration attorney at Make the Road New York, a nonprofit that serves immigrant communities across New York.
This information is not a substitute for legal advice from a qualified attorney or accredited representative. The content was last updated December 2025.
Here’s what you need to know about the asylum decision pause:
- Asylum interviews with USCIS will continue to be scheduled but approvals and denials are on hold.
- The pause applies regardless of country of origin.
- The pause does not affect asylum cases in immigration court, known as defensive asylum.
- It is recommended to attend all scheduled court hearings and USCIS interviews. Missing them can lead to removal orders or abandonment of your case.
- Work permits and other benefits are not automatically revoked, but guidance from USCIS is expected within 90 days.
- Eligible applicants should continue filing asylum and benefit applications.
Who is not affected by the asylum pause
The change affects only affirmative asylum applications which are cases filed directly with USCIS by people who are not currently in deportation proceedings.
As of now, immigration judges are continuing to process asylum claims, hold hearings and issue decisions for defensive asylum applications, which are filed in immigration court.
As of December 2, USCIS paused all immigration decisions, which includes green cards, citizenship, work authorizations and asylum applications, from applicants from 19 “high-risk” countries. So, immigrant nationals of Afghanistan, Burma, Burundi, Chad, Cuba, Eritrea, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela or Yemen, are already effectively under an asylum pause.
Do I need to attend my court hearing or interview?
Yes. “Applicants should always attend their court hearings,” Santamaria said. “If someone fails to attend, it is likely that the judge will issue a removal order in absentia.”
Interviews at USCIS should also be attended unless a person receives written confirmation that the appointment has been cancelled or rescheduled.
What about work permits?
There is currently no indication that the federal government plans to revoke work permits or broadly stop applications for employment authorization tied to asylum cases.
Santamaria notes that nothing in the pause affects eligibility for work permits and that USCIS is expected to issue more detailed guidance within 90 days. People who recently submitted an initial work authorization application are not affected under the rules in place today, though they could face delays.
Should I still file an asylum application?
Yes. The pause restricts the government’s ability to issue decisions, not a person’s ability to file. Missing legal deadlines can jeopardize eligibility.
“Individuals who are eligible for asylum should continue to file within the one-year deadline,” Santamaria said. “If you think you are eligible, you should consult with an attorney.”
While affirmative asylum interviews may still be scheduled, applicants should expect cancellations or delays.
Should I wait to apply for other immigration benefits?
No. Many benefits have strict deadlines. Santamaria advises submitting applications on time. If you are from a country subject to other federal restrictions, consult an attorney to understand how separate policies may affect your case.
What steps should I consider right now?
Santamaria encourages people to take several steps right now to protect themselves. First, stay in close contact with an immigration attorney who can review your case and advise you on any risks.
Second, do not miss any scheduled hearings or interviews. Third, keep every document you receive from USCIS or the immigration court, including notices and receipts.
Finally, be aware of possible ICE enforcement actions and prepare a plan in the event of detention.
