The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has resumed processing asylum claims for certain foreign nationals, lifting a months-long pause imposed after a November 2025 attack on National Guard members in Washington, D.C. The agency announced on March 30 that 'eligible and vetted individuals' from non-high-risk countries will now be granted immigration benefits, while strict screening procedures remain in place for higher-risk cases.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The Trump administration halted all asylum decisions in November 2025 following the shooting of two National Guard members by an Afghan national. The pause affected approximately 4 million pending asylum applications. USCIS has now resumed processing for applicants from countries not deemed high-risk, though restrictions remain for 36 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, and Syria.
Deeper Dive & Context
Background on the Pause
The November 26, 2025, attack left one National Guard member dead and another critically injured. The Trump administration cited national security concerns as the reason for the indefinite pause on asylum processing. Then-DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated the agency needed time to address a backlog of nearly 4 million cases.
Current Policy Adjustments
USCIS has lifted the adjudicative hold for thoroughly screened asylum seekers from non-high-risk countries. A DHS spokesperson emphasized that 'maximum screening and vetting for ALL aliens continues unabated.' The agency also confirmed that resources would now focus on higher-risk cases.
Additional Restrictions
Other immigration pauses remain in effect, including a ban on issuing immigrant visas for 75 countries and restrictions on applications from countries covered by the travel ban. The new vetting center in Atlanta, launched in December 2025, aims to enhance screening procedures.
Diverse Perspectives
Some sources highlight the administration's focus on national security, while others emphasize the impact on asylum seekers. The Daily Caller notes the administration's continued strict vetting, while NPR reports on the lifting of the total ban for non-high-risk applicants. The Epoch Times focuses on the resumption of benefits for eligible individuals.