-
Original Date Announced
November 28, 2025USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow announced on Twitter that "USCIS has halted all asylum decisions until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible." The announcement follows the shooting of two National Guard soldiers in Washington, D.C., which was allegedly perpetrated by an Aghan man granted asylum earlier this year.
Trump 2.0 [ID #2111]
2025.11.28 USCIS Director Edlow TweetSubsequent Trump and Court Action
November 29, 20252025.11.29 Reported: Officials told to pause all asylum decisions in wake of National Guard shooting - CBS News
CBS News reported that USCIS asylum officers "were instructed to refrain from approving, denying or closing asylum applications received by the agency." The guidance reportedly stated that the pause applies to all asylum cases, and that officers could continue asylum application interviews and review cases up to the point of making a decision.
View DocumentSubsequent Trump and Court Action
December 2, 20252025.12.02 USCIS PM 602-0192 - Hold and Review of all Pending Asylum Applications and all USCIS Benefit Applications Filed by Aliens from High-Risk Countries
USCIS issued a policy memorandum directing USCIS personnel, among other things, to place a hold on all asylum applications, “regardless of the alien’s country of nationality, pending a comprehensive review.” Noncitizens will be required to undergo a thorough re-review process, including a potential interview and, if necessary, a re-interview “to fully assess all national security and public safety threats.”
As justification, the memorandum references EO 14161, “Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorist and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats,” and the recent National Guard shooting. It states that the guidance is necessary “to ensure that all asylum applicants … do not pose a threat to national security or public safety,” and that the hold will remain in effect until lifted through a subsequent memorandum.
View DocumentCurrent Status
NoneOriginal Trump Policy Status
Status: Final/ActualTrump Administration Action: Agency DirectiveSubject Matter: Asylum, Withholding and CATAgencies Affected: USCISAssociated or Derivative Policies
- January 20, 2025 EO 14161: "Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats"
- June 4, 2025 Proclamation 10949: Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the U.S. from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats
Documents
Trump-Era Policy Documents
-
New Policy
Original Source:
USCIS Director Edlow Tweet
- Subsequent Action
To provide information, corrections, or feedback, please email IPTP.feedback@gmail.com