The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) suspended green card processing for refugees and asylees with immediate effect.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a temporary suspension on the processing of green card applications for certain refugees and asylees, a move that leaves many who fled violence and unrest waiting indefinitely for permanent status in the United States.
The directive, issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), affects refugees who have already been approved to enter the country as well as individuals who were granted asylum through U.S. immigration courts. These groups, though already vetted before arrival or approval, will now face additional scrutiny before being granted lawful permanent residency.
In a statement, DHS said the pause is aimed at strengthening the nation’s security and ensuring the integrity of the immigration system.
“To better identify fraud, public safety or national security concerns, USCIS is placing a temporary pause on finalizing certain Adjustment of Status applications pending the completion of additional screening and vetting,” the department said.
The agency cited two executive orders from President Donald Trump as the basis for the new vetting measures. One of the orders directs federal agencies to “vet and screen to the maximum degree possible all aliens who intend to be admitted, enter, or are already inside the United States, particularly those aliens coming from regions or nations with identified security risks.”
The policy change was first reported by CBS News.
Broader Impact of DHS Green Card Suspension on Refugees and Asylees
The suspension could affect a broad range of individuals, from Afghans evacuated during the U.S. withdrawal in 2021 to those who sought protection after crossing the southern border. Many of these individuals have already undergone extensive background checks, interviews, and security screenings before being granted refugee or asylum status.
Refugees are typically vetted while still abroad through multiple layers of background checks involving the Department of State, DHS, and intelligence agencies. Asylum-seekers, on the other hand, must demonstrate that they face persecution in their home countries due to their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
Under normal procedures, both groups can apply for permanent residency—commonly known as a green card—after one year of living in the United States. The current suspension effectively halts that process, delaying their ability to secure long-term stability and access to certain benefits.
National Security Emphasis
While DHS framed the pause as a national security measure, the move has sparked concern among immigration advocates who argue that the affected groups have already been subject to one of the most rigorous screening processes in the world. They warn that the suspension could create uncertainty and hardship for thousands of people who believed they were on the path to permanent residency.
Still, DHS maintains that the additional review process is necessary to ensure that all security checks are up to date and that no gaps exist in the system. Officials did not indicate how long the suspension would last or how many cases would be affected.
