Tagged #asylum
Every article we've published on this topic, sorted by the agency's own announcement date.
Trump admin bypasses asylum interviews, refers cases directly to immigration court
USCIS can now refer certain affirmative asylum applications directly to immigration judges without conducting interviews. Practitioners must adjust filing strategy and client expectations.
Court Issues Administrative Stay of Certain USCIS Policies Under H.R. 1
A Massachusetts federal court has partially stayed USCIS enforcement of H.R. 1 provisions affecting TPS work permits and asylum fees. Practitioners must adjust filing and compliance strategies immediately.
Federal Court Administrative Stay Blocks Certain H.R. 1 Policies for TPS and Asylum Applicants
A Massachusetts federal court has temporarily blocked USCIS policies under H.R. 1 that would have retroactively shortened TPS employment authorization and imposed asylum fees. The stay remains in effect until August 5, 2026.
Federal Judge Blocks Retroactive Work Permit Caps and Asylum Fees for TPS and Asylum Seekers
Boston federal judge temporarily blocked Trump administration policies cutting work authorization duration for TPS holders and imposing new asylum application fees, staying enforcement until Aug. 5.
New Jersey Immigration Judge's Appointment Raises Judicial Fitness Concerns
A New Jersey judge appointed to the Elizabeth Immigration Court faced recent appellate criticism for insensitive remarks toward a sexual assault victim, raising concerns among immigration attorneys about how he will handle asylum and bond cases.
Lawsuit Challenges U.S. Sharing of Iranian Asylum Details With Tehran
Federal lawsuit alleges Trump administration violated confidentiality rules by providing Iran's government with asylum application details. Practitioners advising Iranian asylum seekers should understand the claims and monitor the case.
Trump administration immigration agenda: Mixed wins in Supreme Court's 2025-2026 term
The Trump administration scored major Supreme Court victories on TPS termination and asylum metering, but suffered a significant defeat on birthright citizenship. Review what changed and what it means for clients.
Supreme Court redefines 'arrival' for asylum eligibility
SCOTUS rules in Al Otro Lado that asylum seekers don't 'arrive' in the U.S. until physically crossing the border, reshaping asylum claim eligibility under INA standards.
Supreme Court Limits Asylum At Border, TPS Judicial Relief
Two 6-3 Supreme Court decisions change asylum eligibility and TPS revocation procedures. Migrants must physically enter the U.S. to claim asylum; TPS recipients face limited court review of status termination.
Supreme Court Permits Trump Administration to Revive Asylum \"Metering\" Policy
Supreme Court overturns lower court injunction, clearing way for Trump administration to limit daily asylum applications at U.S.-Mexico border. What practitioners need to know.
Supreme Court Permits Asylum 'Metering' at U.S.-Mexico Border
SCOTUS overturns lower court block on metering policy, allowing border officials to turn away asylum seekers on Mexico side of ports of entry under statutory interpretation ruling.
Supreme Court Upholds Asylum Metering and TPS Revocation Powers
SCOTUS rules 6-3 that border agents can limit asylum applications and the administration can revoke TPS. Key precedent on executive immigration authority.
Supreme Court Rules Asylum Seekers Can Be Turned Back Before Reaching U.S. Soil
The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that the government may legally turn back asylum seekers at the border using the 'metering' policy, eliminating the statutory protection that normally applies once someone 'arrives' in the U.S.
Supreme Court: Asylum seekers outside U.S. territory cannot apply for protection
A 6-3 Supreme Court decision holds that asylum seekers stopped on the Mexican side of a port of entry have not 'arrived in' the U.S. and cannot apply for asylum, clearing the way for 'metering' policies.
Supreme Court Upholds \"Metering\" Policy: Asylum Seekers on Mexican Side May Be Turned Back
The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that asylum seekers stopped on the Mexican side of the US-Mexico border do not have a statutory right to apply for asylum, reviving a controversial turnback policy.
Supreme Court permits asylum "metering" policy at southern border
SCOTUS ruled 6-3 in Mullin v. Al Otro Lado that asylum seekers standing in Mexico have not "arrived in the United States" and may be turned away by CBP before processing their claims.
Supreme Court Allows Metering and Bars TPS Judicial Review in Twin Immigration Rulings
On June 25, 2026, the Supreme Court handed down two landmark immigration decisions affecting asylum access at the border and temporary protected status protections for hundreds of thousands of immigrants.
UK Tightens Asylum Policy: Refugee Status Now Temporary, Permanent Settlement Delayed
The UK government fundamentally reformed its asylum system, shortening initial refugee protection from 5 years to 30 months and delaying permanent settlement to 20 years. Family reunion is severely restricted and asylum support is now discretionary.
Hartford Immigration Court backlog strains legal representation and relief prospects
Former judge warns court backlog of 46,000 cases in Hartford is compromising asylum seekers' ability to prepare cases, as judge staffing declines nationally and processing accelerates dramatically.
Court Orders USCIS to Resume Visa Processing for 39-Country Ban Nations
After a week of resistance, USCIS has agreed to comply with federal court order vacating policies that froze green card, asylum, and work permit applications for nationals of 39 countries.
Supreme Court, ICE warehouses, and detention policy in flux: June 2026 border update
WOLA analyzes major Supreme Court immigration cases, ICE's potential reversal on mega-warehouse detention centers, border wall construction, and May 2026 migration data affecting asylum, TPS, and detention practice.
USCIS Halts Immigration Approvals Pending Enhanced FBI Background Checks
Starting April 27, 2026, USCIS paused approvals for thousands of pending fingerprint-based cases to resubmit biometrics through expanded FBI criminal databases. Learn what changed, who is affected, and next steps.
Supreme Court Hears Asylum Turnback Case
Noem v. Al Otro Lado brings the legality of CBP's turnback policy to the Supreme Court. What practitioners need to know about asylum access at ports of entry.
Federal court strikes down Trump's asylum freeze and 39-country processing pause
A federal judge found Trump administration policies halting asylum applications, work permits, green cards, and citizenship processing for 39 countries unlawful and rooted in anti-immigrant animus.
Federal Court Vacates USCIS Benefits Pause Affecting 39 Countries
U.S. District Court strikes down USCIS policies that had frozen green card, work permit, and asylum applications for nationals of 39 travel-ban countries. Four major policies declared unlawful and vacated as of June 5, 2026.
Board of Immigration Appeals shifts rules, accelerating deportations
The reconstituted Board of Immigration Appeals has tightened procedural rules and issued dozens of precedential decisions favoring deportation, reshaping how immigration judges handle asylum, bond, and relief cases.
Federal Court Vacates USCIS Travel Ban Adjudication Hold Policies
A federal court struck down four USCIS policies that froze benefits adjudication for applicants from travel ban countries. The decision eliminates blocks on adjustment of status, work authorization, naturalization, and asylum processing.
Federal Judge Blocks Travel Ban-Linked USCIS Freezes on Green Cards, Asylum
U.S. District Judge John McConnell ruled that USCIS policies freezing green card, asylum, and work permit decisions for nationals of 39 travel-ban countries were likely unlawful and must resume processing.
Federal judge blocks sweeping Trump policy halting legal immigration applications
A Rhode Island federal judge invalidated Trump administration policies that suspended asylum, green card, and other immigration benefits for applicants from 39 countries, finding the measures arbitrary, capricious, and contrary to law.
Federal court strikes down immigration freeze for 39 countries
Judge McConnell invalidated four USCIS policies that indefinitely halted work permits, green cards, asylum adjudications, and naturalizations for nationals of 39 travel-ban countries. Cases must now resume processing.
Federal Judge Blocks Immigration Benefits Freeze for 39 Countries
A Rhode Island federal judge struck down USCIS policies that froze asylum, work permits, green cards, and naturalization applications, finding them likely unlawful. Resume application processing for affected countries immediately.
Federal court voids Trump administration's freeze on asylum and visa processing from 39 countries
A federal judge struck down USCIS policies that froze asylum decisions, green cards, work permits, and citizenship applications for nationals from 39 countries targeted by the Trump travel ban. Processing must resume immediately.
FOIA Reveals USCIS Green Card Processing Pause and Hold Strategy
Internal records show USCIS suspended green card applications for asylum and refugee applicants in March–April 2025, then maintained holds on 467 cases citing national security concerns. What practitioners should know.
Federal Judge Strikes Down USCIS Freeze on 39-Country Benefit Processing
U.S. District Court Chief Judge John McConnell vacates four USCIS policies that froze work permits, green cards, asylum, and naturalization applications for nationals of 39 countries. USCIS must resume adjudication immediately.
Federal judge strikes down policy freezing USCIS applications for 39 countries
A U.S. District Court ruled that USCIS exceeded its authority by indefinitely freezing asylum, work permit, green card, and citizenship applications for nationals of 39 countries. The ruling requires immediate resumption of adjudications.
Federal Judge Invalidates USCIS Asylum and Work Permit Holds
A federal judge struck down four Trump administration policies that froze asylum adjudications and work permit processing for applicants from 39 countries, finding the agency violated federal law and acted with anti-immigrant animus.
Federal Court Blocks USCIS Asylum and Country-Based Application Freezes
Judge McConnell invalidates Trump administration policies that froze asylum applications and paused processing for immigrants from 39 countries, affecting over 1 million backlogged cases.
Federal judge strikes down Trump asylum processing freeze, orders USCIS to resume adjudication
A Rhode Island federal judge has vacated Trump administration policies that halted asylum processing and immigration benefit adjudications for nationals of 39 countries. USCIS must immediately resume processing green cards, work permits, asylum applications, and naturalizations.
Federal Judge Blocks Trump's Asylum Freeze on 39 Countries
A federal court has struck down a Trump administration policy that blocked asylum decisions, work permits, green cards, and citizenship applications for immigrants from 39 nations. Here's what practitioners and applicants need to know.
Rhode Island Court Vacates USCIS Hold & Asylum Policies for 39 Countries
Federal judge vacates USCIS policies suspending benefits adjudication, asylum decisions, nationality-based discretionary factors, and re-reviews for nationals of 39 travel-ban countries. Ruling affects applications filed with USCIS.
Federal Court Vacates DHS Policy Blocking Benefits for Nationals of 39 Countries
Rhode Island federal judge strikes down USCIS memoranda freezing adjudication of green cards, work permits, and naturalization for nationals of 39 countries. Decision restores duty to adjudicate under the INA and bars nationality-based discrimination.
Federal judge strikes down Trump admin freeze on asylum and immigration benefits for 39 countries
A federal judge invalidated USCIS policies that suspended asylum decisions and froze green card, work permit, and citizenship applications for immigrants from 39 countries. Affected cases can now resume processing.
Federal Judge Strikes Down 39-Country USCIS Processing Freeze
Chief Judge McConnell invalidates Trump administration policy that halted immigration benefit processing for applicants from 39 countries, orders USCIS to resume adjudication of asylum, green card, work permit, and citizenship applications.
Federal Judge Strikes Down USCIS Policy Freezing Applications from 39 Countries
A Boston federal judge invalidated a Trump administration policy that halted final decisions on asylum, work permit, green card, and citizenship applications from people in 39 countries, ordering USCIS to resume processing immediately.
Federal Court Strikes Down USCIS Processing Ban for Travel Ban Countries
A federal court has vacated four USCIS policies that froze immigration benefit adjudication for nationals of 39 countries. Learn what the ruling means for stalled applications and next steps.
Federal Court Vacates Trump Travel Ban Processing Freeze
A federal judge ruled that USCIS policies halting immigration application processing for 39 travel ban countries were unlawful, ordering the agency to resume adjudications.
Federal Judge Strikes Down USCIS 39-Country Asylum and Benefits Freeze
Chief Judge McConnell invalidates four USCIS policies that had categorically barred asylum, work permit, green card, and citizenship decisions for nationals of 39 countries, ordering immediate resumption of adjudication.
Federal Judge Vacates USCIS Freeze on Immigration Benefits for 39 Countries
Court invalidates Trump policies that froze asylum, work permit, green card, and citizenship applications for immigrants from 39 nations. Benefits processing must resume nationwide.
Federal Judge Strikes Down Trump Travel Ban Processing Freeze
A Rhode Island federal judge invalidated Trump administration policies that halted green cards, asylum decisions, and work permits for people from 39 countries, ordering USCIS to resume processing immediately.
Federal Court Voids USCIS Travel-Ban Country Processing Holds
A Rhode Island federal judge vacated four USCIS policies that froze asylum, green card, work permit, and citizenship adjudications for nationals of 39 travel-ban countries. Relief is immediate and nationwide.
Federal judge strikes down Trump's asylum freeze for 39 countries
U.S. District Judge John McConnell vacated USCIS policies that suspended asylum processing and froze immigration applications for affected nationals, ordering immediate resumption of processing.
Federal judge voids Trump's immigration adjudication freeze for 39 countries
Chief Judge McConnell strikes down USCIS halt on benefits processing for travel-ban countries. Reinstates legal duty to adjudicate green cards, work permits, asylum, citizenship applications.
Federal judge voids USCIS travel-ban country processing holds
A Rhode Island federal court ruled Friday that USCIS violated the law by pausing adjudications on asylum, green card, and citizenship applications from 39 travel-ban countries. The decision affects thousands of pending cases and gives practitioners grounds to challenge the hold.
Federal Judge Orders USCIS to Restart Asylum and Immigration Processing
A federal judge has invalidated the Trump administration's pause on asylum applications and immigration benefit decisions for nationals of 39 countries. USCIS must resume processing immediately.
Federal Judge Overturns Trump Asylum and Immigration Freezes for 39 Countries
A Rhode Island federal judge struck down Trump-era policies that froze asylum processing and immigration applications from 39 countries, ordering USCIS to resume processing immediately. Key ruling on immigration agency authority and country-based discrimination.
Federal Judge Strikes Down USCIS Benefit Freeze for 39 Countries
A federal court ruled that USCIS policies freezing asylum, work permit, green card, and citizenship applications for nationals of 39 countries violate the Administrative Procedure Act and are unsupported by law.
Federal Judge Strikes Down USCIS Travel Ban Policies, Orders Nationwide Processing Resume
On June 5, 2026, Chief Judge McConnell vacated four USCIS policies that froze asylum and immigration benefits for nationals of 39 countries, ordering immediate resumption of processing for pending cases nationwide.
Federal Judge Voids Trump Halt on Asylum and Benefits Decisions for 39 Countries
A federal judge struck down Trump administration policies that froze USCIS decisions on asylum, work permits, green cards, and citizenship applications for nationals of 39 countries. USCIS must now resume processing.
Federal Judge Strikes Down Trump Policies Barring Adjudication for 39 Countries
A Rhode Island federal judge ruled that Trump administration immigration policies blocking adjudications for applicants from 39 countries violate the law. Here's what practitioners need to know about the ruling and next steps.
Federal Court Vacates USCIS Benefits Freeze Policies — Nationwide Relief
On June 5, 2026, a Rhode Island federal court vacated four USCIS policies that had frozen immigration benefits for nationals of 39 countries. Learn what changed, why it matters, and your next steps.
Federal judge voids USCIS freeze on benefits for 39-country applicants
A Rhode Island federal judge has struck down Trump administration policies that froze work permits, green cards, asylum, and citizenship applications for noncitizens from 39 countries. The decision vacates four USCIS policies and orders resumption of processing.
Federal judge voids USCIS immigration freeze on 39 countries
A Rhode Island federal judge ruled that USCIS unlawfully froze asylum, work permit, and green card processing for applicants from 39 travel-ban countries. The ruling vacates USCIS policies and could restart thousands of stalled cases.
Federal judge voids four USCIS policies halting processing from 39 countries
A Rhode Island district judge vacated Trump administration policies that indefinitely froze asylum, green card, work permit, and citizenship processing from 39 countries, forcing USCIS to resume adjudication.
Federal Judge Strikes Down USCIS Processing Freeze for 39 Countries
A Rhode Island federal judge vacated four USCIS policies that imposed an indefinite hold on asylum, green card, work permit, and citizenship applications from nationals of 39 countries, ruling the agency exceeded its statutory authority under the Administrative Procedure Act.
Federal judge voids Trump asylum freeze, orders USCIS to resume processing
A Rhode Island federal judge ruled that Trump administration policies suspending asylum processing and delaying immigration benefits for nationals from 39 countries violated federal law and USCIS authority.
Federal Judge Vacates USCIS Processing Freeze for Asylum Applicants from Travel-Ban Countries
A Rhode Island federal judge ruled that Trump administration policies freezing USCIS processing for applicants from 39 travel-ban countries violated immigration law. Practitioners must now resume filings and advise affected clients on case reopenings.
Federal judge strikes down Trump asylum processing freeze, orders USCIS resumption
A Rhode Island federal judge ruled the Trump administration violated immigration law by freezing asylum and green card processing for applicants from 39 countries. Practitioners must now resume advising clients on immediate application processing.
Federal judge voids immigration freeze on 39 countries
A federal judge ruled that USCIS unlawfully halted asylum, work permit, green card, and citizenship decisions for nationals of 39 countries, finding the policy arbitrary and lacking statutory authority.
Federal Judge Strikes Down USCIS Freeze on 39-Country Applications
U.S. District Judge John McConnell vacated USCIS policies that halted asylum, work permit, and green card adjudications for applicants from 39 countries, finding the freeze unlawful and arbitrary.
Federal Judge Strikes Down Country-Based Immigration Processing Restrictions
Chief Judge McConnell invalidates USCIS policy suspending asylum, work permit, and green card processing for 39 countries, orders agency to resume adjudication and clear backlog.
Federal Judge Vacates USCIS Adjudication Holds for 39-Country Group
A federal district court has invalidated USCIS policies that froze immigration benefit decisions for nationals of 39 countries. The decision requires USCIS to resume adjudications immediately and affects pending I-485, asylum, work authorization, and citizenship applications.
Federal Judge Invalidates USCIS Immigration Freeze on 39 Travel-Ban Countries
A US District Court ruled that USCIS unlawfully halted processing asylum, work permits, green cards, and naturalization for nationals of 39 countries. Learn what practitioners need to do now.
Federal court allows family reunification lawsuit against travel ban to proceed
Eastern District of Virginia denies motion to dismiss in case challenging State Department's application of Proclamation 10949 to asylee Follow-to-Join applications.
DHS Directs ICE to Ramp Up Asylum-Fraud Enforcement Against Attorneys
On May 26, 2026, DHS issued a memo directing ICE to aggressively pursue administrative fraud cases against immigration attorneys filing false asylum claims under 8 U.S.C. § 1324c(d). No new penalties, but a shift in enforcement posture.
USCIS Enforces Annual Asylum Fee Consequences, New I-102 and TPS Rules Take Effect
DHS interim final rule imposes strict consequences for unpaid Annual Asylum Fees and implements additional H.R. 1 requirements for Form I-589, Form I-102, and TPS employment authorization, effective May 29, 2026.
State Department Directive: Denies Visas to Applicants Who Express Fear of Returning Home
The State Department issued a worldwide cable requiring consular officers to deny nonimmigrant visas to applicants who admit experiencing harm or fear returning home. Effective immediately, the policy affects all visa applicants and creates credibility traps for later asylum claims.
DHS Proposed Rule Would Bar Asylum Seekers From Work Permits
A proposed DHS rule would suspend work authorization for asylum applicants until the agency reduces processing times to 6 months. The change could cost asylum seekers up to $126.6 billion annually in lost wages.
D.C. Circuit blocks Trump asylum ban: Executive can't suspend statutory right to apply
Federal appeals court ruled President Trump's 2025 asylum proclamation violates the Immigration and Nationality Act. The ruling restores the statutory right to seek protection at the border and invalidates removal procedures Trump invoked.
Bill C-12 Asylum and Immigration Law Changes Now in Force
Canada's Strengthening Canada's Immigration System and Borders Act (Bill C-12) received royal assent in March 2026. Key changes: new asylum ineligibility rules, streamlined processing, and expanded document management powers.
Supreme Court signals likely victory for Trump asylum turnback policy
At oral argument, a Supreme Court majority appeared to accept the Trump administration's position that asylum seekers turned back before physically crossing the border have no statutory right to request asylum.
Supreme Court Hears Metering Policy Asylum Case; Justices Skeptical
SCOTUS weighs whether Trump's asylum turnback policy at ports of entry violates immigration law. A decision expected by June or July could reshape border asylum adjudication.
The Board of Immigration Appeals is reshaping immigration law through precedent decisions
The Trump administration has reshaped the Board of Immigration Appeals to issue binding precedent decisions that restrict bond eligibility and asylum relief, fundamentally changing how immigration judges nationwide adjudicate cases.
Supreme Court to rule on whether asylum seekers at the border have a right to apply
The Supreme Court is hearing arguments in Noem v. Al Otro Lado, which will determine whether noncitizens turned away at ports of entry before crossing the U.S. border can apply for asylum under federal law—a decision that will reshape border asylum eligibility nationwide.
Supreme Court Asylum Decision Heightens Appellate Deference Standard
The Supreme Court's unanimous Urias-Orellana v. Bondi decision requires federal appellate courts to defer to immigration judge factual findings and BIA legal rulings in asylum cases, narrowing the scope of appellate review and affecting circuit appeal strategy.
Supreme Court sets high bar for overturning asylum persecution findings
SCOTUS unanimously holds that appellate courts must apply substantial-evidence review to immigration judges' determinations of persecution, making it harder to overturn asylum denials on appeal.
Supreme Court Settles Standard for Asylum Appeals: Deferential Review Now Required
In Urias-Orellana v. Bondi, the Supreme Court unanimously held that federal courts of appeals must apply substantial-evidence review—not de novo review—when assessing BIA persecution determinations in asylum cases. Practitioners must revise appeal strategy.
Trump Administration Proposes Major Restrictions on Asylum Work Permits
DHS proposes new rule to suspend asylum work permit eligibility until USCIS decides all cases within 180 days on average. Practitioners must understand the new filing bars and strategy shifts for I-765 denials and affirmative asylum EAD requests.
Board of Immigration Appeals expands third-country deportations for asylum seekers
A new Board of Immigration Appeals ruling makes it easier for DHS to deport asylum seekers to countries they have never visited, before their asylum cases are heard on the merits.
Bondi Issues Two Precedential Decisions Restricting Asylum for Domestic Violence and Gang Violence Survivors
Attorney General Bondi overruled Biden-era asylum precedent and reinstated restrictive 2018 and 2021 rules that make asylum harder to obtain for victims of domestic abuse and gang violence. Practitioners must update case strategy immediately.
Gender-Based Violence Claims Just Got Harder: What the BIA's K-E-S-G- Decision Means
The Board of Immigration Appeals ruled that sex and gender alone cannot define a particular social group in asylum claims. Learn what practitioners and clients need to do now.
Matter of K-E-S-G-: BIA Narrows Gender-Based Asylum Protections
The Board of Immigration Appeals narrows the particular social group definition for asylum seekers fleeing gender-based persecution, requiring asylum practitioners to add specificity and proof of social recognition to gender-based claims.
Trump Immigration Executive Orders: January 2025 Summary
Summary of President Trump's immigration executive orders issued January 20–21, 2025, addressing enhanced vetting, birthright citizenship, asylum, refugee programs, and rescission of Biden-era policies.
CBP One app: appointment scheduling, eligible processing, and policy direction
CBP One channels port-of-entry asylum processing into a smartphone-based appointment queue. The eligible population, the daily-slot math, and the rolling expansions all sit on a fragile policy footing.
The Asylum One-Year Filing Deadline and the Exceptions That Actually Get Granted
How the I-589 one-year clock runs, which 'changed circumstances' and 'extraordinary circumstances' work in practice, and how to plead the exception.
Afghan parolees: Operation Allies Welcome, the AAIA pathway, and what comes after the initial parole grant
How DHS structured the 2021 Afghan parole admissions under Operation Allies Welcome, how the Afghan Adjustment Act framework differs from the SIV program, and what status options exist when the parole period ends.