A note Citizenship and Immigration Service (Uscisfor its abbreviation in English) created Temporary detention of all asylum applications and suspension of immigration benefits For people from 19 countries are classified as high risk. The decision was made after two National Guard members were shot near the White House in Washington, DC.
On November 26, two National Guard members were attacked with firearms in Washington, DC Sarah BeckstromThe 20-year-old died on Thursday, while Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in critical condition. Authorities identified the alleged perpetrator as God bless LakanwalAfghan citizen.
This incident led to an immediate response from Donald Trump, who… He directed USCIS to take additional measures in immigration processes. “These goals will be pursued Achieve a significant reduction in the illegal and vandal population“The president said in Social Truth.
After the event, the US government ordered Stop evaluating asylum applications and review foreigners’ files more rigorously Coming from countries on the presidential risk list. The guideline was formalized in A note Which entered into force on December 2, 2025.
The stated goal is to review procedures and verify information regarding each applicant a little New security parameters.
The measure orders a temporary halt to the adjudication of all asylum claims submitted to USCIS, without distinguishing between the nationality of the applicant. The pause applies to all I-589 forms in processing.
The agency confirms that this comment It will allow a full review of the analysis criteria, validation steps and internal evidence used to date. This procedure will remain in effect until it is determined that each case can be evaluated within the maximum review levels.
Director of USCIS, Joseph EdlowShe had announced a few days ago that no asylum decision would be made until she could “guarantee this.” That every foreigner be investigated and evaluated“, as he wrote in X.
Reactivation of the process will depend on a subsequent note. “The safety of the American people is always our priority,” Edlow added.
In addition to the general asylum suspension, the memorandum orders Stopping procedures for granting immigration benefits to people from 19 countries It is defined as “high risk.” This designation comes from Presidential Proclamation No. 10949 published on June 4, 2025.
The nations included are:
This procedure applies to those who cite any of these countries as their place of birth or nationality. The date of entry of these persons into the United States does not matter: All outstanding benefit claims are frozen until the government-ordered review is completed.
“This memorandum requires that all aliens who meet these criteria undergo a comprehensive re-evaluation process, Which includes a new interview“, USCIS said in the official notice.
“With this it will be possible Conduct a comprehensive assessment of all threats to national and public securityIn addition to any other reason for inadmissibility or ineligibility, the agency added.
Uscis points this out Suspension refers to a wide range of actionsAmong them are the following:
but, These brakes do not affect the initial evaluation proceduressuch as determinations of reasonable fear, reasonable apprehension, safe third country agreements, or checks under asylum cooperation agreements. These stages continue to work.
With this comment, the agency indicates this It seeks to modernize the way the information provided is evaluated By applicants from areas considered sensitive for national security reasons.
“An individual review and evaluation will be conducted, on a case-by-case basis, of all relevant information and facts,” USCIS said. “A comprehensive examination of all important policies will also be conductedHe added.
The structured review will focus on four key factors: