Temporary Pause on Decisions for Certain Cases

USCIS temporarily paused decisions on asylum cases and certain immigration benefits for designated countries. This pause does not mean your case has been denied — but it may mean delays, additional review, or an interview that wasn’t previously required.

If you have questions about what this pause means for your case, contact Antonini & Cohen at (470) 428-3200 to schedule a consultation.

At Antonini & Cohen, we know how. We fight harder.

Transcript:

Hi, I’m attorney Kathleen Hoyos from Antonini & Cohen Immigration Law Group. Today, I want to talk to you about a recent USCIS policy that is affecting many immigration applications right now. 

USCIS announced that it is temporarily pausing decisions on certain cases while it conducts additional security and policy reviews. This means that even if your case was properly filed, USCIS may not issue a decision for some time. 

First, all pending asylum applications are on hold, regardless of the applicant’s country of origin. USCIS states this pause is needed while it re-examines its screening and vetting process. 

Second, USCIS is pausing many other applications for immigration benefits of applicants from certain countries designated as high-risk under a presidential proclamation. A full list of these countries is available on USCIS's website. This includes applications for green cards, travel documents, and removal of conditions. These conditions are being reviewed more closely, and in some cases that usually would have had an interview waived, these are now be required. 

USCIS is also re-examining some cases that were already approved, particularly for individuals who entered the US on or after January 20, 2021. This does not mean your case has been revoked, but it can result in additional delays, interviews, or requests for more evidence.  

Right now, there is no clear timeline for when these pauses will be lifted. 

If you or a family member has a pending immigration case and you’re unsure how this policy affects you, call Antonini & Cohen today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced immigration attorneys. We will help you understand your options and develop a plan to protect you and your case during this pause. 

At Antonini & Cohen, we know how. We fight harder. 

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Kathleen Hoyos is a partner at Antonini & Cohen Immigration Law Group, where she represents individuals and families in complex immigration cases. She has helped thousands of clients protect their status and is recognized for her dedicated work on humanitarian cases. Beyond the courtroom, Kathleen frequently speaks on immigrant rights, advocates for vulnerable populations, and works closely with local organizations to empower families and individuals navigating the US immigration system.