On December 2, 2025, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) released a policy memo announcing that it would pause issuing decisions on applications for relief for certain applicants. The memo cites “national security and public safety concerns” as the basis for this pause. Specifically, the memo mandates a pause on pending benefits requests from applicants whose country of birth or country of citizenship is one of the following countries:
Afghanistan, Burma, Burundi, Chad, Cuba, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, Yemen
"Benefits requests" by applicants from these countries include, but are not limited to, applications for adjustment of status, naturalization, replacement of permanent resident cards, and travel documents. However, this pause does not apply to USCIS screening activities, such that individuals from the above listed countries may still obtain credible and reasonable fear screenings.
Additionally, the policy memo requires USCIS personnel to conduct a “re-review” of approved benefits requests for individuals from the above listed countries who entered the United States on or after January 20, 2021. Such re-review may include an interview with USCIS, even if one had already been conducted previously.
Finally, the memo instructs USCIS personnel to pause decisions on all pending applications for asylum, regardless of the applicant’s country of birth or nationality. Pursuant to the policy memo, these pauses will remain in effect until the USCIS Director decides to lift them.
If you are concerned about how this pause may affect your case, the experienced attorneys at Murray Osorio PLLC can help you understand your options. Call 800-929-7142 or contact us online today to schedule a consultation.