The U.S. government repeatedly paused or limited access to immigration benefits over the past eighteen months. This includes green cards applications and refugee status. These actions are part of larger effort to roll back the legal status qualifications and expedite removals of individuals the U.S. government deems entered the country unlawfully. Most of these pauses were implemented via U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
According to the American Immigration Council, USCIS began trying to roll back the scope of green card benefits as early as March 7, 2025. The agency also introduced additional vetting procedures, like new fingerprint rules, for national security purposes. In the most recent effort, USCIS directed agents to decide whether green card applicants must decide on whether applicants must leave the country to file for an adjustment of status.
Additionally, USCIS blocked green card applications for 115, 454 refugee status and asylum seekers from countries like Venezuela, El Salvador, and Honduras. USCIS lifted the suspension for all but four hundred and sixty-seven individuals on April 10, 2025. Officials stated the suspension allowed USCIS to better vet applicants and determine if they present a national security or public safety risk.
As always, ILBSG actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, it’s particularly critical you get the right advice.