Is the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approving asylum cases at the moment?

By Celeste Acevedo, Immigration Attorney 

In late 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a pause on issuing decisions on asylum applications as part of a broader immigration review. Despite that pause, we continued to advise clients to file their asylum applications. It is important to file a timely asylum application to help preserve your eligibility. 

On March 30, 2026, USCIS announced it would resume approvals on asylum applications for individuals from countries not designated as “high-risk.” Since that announcement, we have been able to accompany clients to their asylum interviews and continue to support them through the process no matter their country of origin. Despite USCIS classifying forty countries as "high-risk" countries, our team has seen some movement on asylum cases from these countries. The forty countries include but are not limited to: Republic of Congo, Cuba, Haiti, Iran, and Venezuela. 

Please note that there is a difference between affirmative and defensive asylum cases. USCIS handles affirmative asylum applications filed directly with the agency. Defensive asylum is filed in Immigration Court as a defense to removal proceedings. Immigration Judges continue to issue decisions independently of USCIS’s pause. 

Even with USCIS’s pause, it remains crucial to file your asylum application in a timely manner after arriving in the United States. Filing an asylum application can affect other aspects of your immigration journey, including your eligibility for work authorization. In most situations, you become eligible to apply for a work permit 180 days after submitting your asylum application. 

Please do not prepare and file your initial asylum application on your own without experienced legal guidance. If you have already submitted your application without legal support, we can help you evaluate what you have submitted and strengthen your case. Incomplete or incorrect applications can lead to delays or denials. While vetting procedures and policy interpretations at USCIS are evolving, it is important you equip yourself the best you can. 

At Sanabria and Associates, our team of experienced immigration attorneys can assist you with preparing your asylum application, getting ready for your asylum interview, and representing you throughout the interview process. Consultations with our attorneys are always free. 

For personalized legal advice, please schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.