How are laws changing for asylum seekers?

This page provides time-sensitive updates for asylum seekers about: asylum, work permits, immigration court, limits for 40 countries, TPS, green cards, driver's licenses and U.S. travel, detention, ICE, social security numbers, parole, SIJS, birthright citizenship, leaving the U.S., and traveling to the U.S. The most recent changes are marked NEW or UPDATED below.

Asylum (updated June 15)

• USCIS asylum decisions might resume for immigrants from all countries. In late 2025, USCIS stopped making decisions on all asylum cases. On March 30, 2026, USCIS said it would start making decisions again for asylum seekers, unless they were from one of 40 countries. On June 5, 2026, a court ruled that the remaining 40-country pause was not legal, and told USCIS to start processing applications again. But the government has appealed the court’s ruling, and we do not know if the government will start to process large numbers of applications anytime soon.

• Check if you need to pay an annual asylum fee. USCIS or immigration courts can require you to pay an annual asylum fee of $102 if your asylum application has been pending for at least one year. If you do not pay the fee by the deadline that the government sets in your case, your asylum application could be rejected or dismissed, and your work permit could end. Learn more about the new fees and how to pay.

• New security checks could cause longer USCIS asylum delays. There are new security checks for many USCIS applications, including asylum, green cards, and possibly work permits. These new security checks could cause longer delays before applications can be approved. Some people could be asked to attend biometrics appointments again and provide fingerprints for additional screening. And unfortunately, all asylum decisions are still paused for asylum seekers from 40 countries.

• USCIS is ending some asylum cases early. Asylum seekers at USCIS are supposed to receive an asylum interview, but USCIS is ending some cases before that interview. Some asylum seekers have received notices moving their asylum case to immigration court. Other asylum seekers received letters dismissing their asylum case and telling them to schedule credible fear interviews instead.

• Immigration courts are ending some asylum cases early. Asylum seekers in immigration court are supposed to receive a full asylum hearing, but the government is trying to end some cases before that hearing. If the government asks a judge to end your case early, you can try to convince the judge to keep it open. Learn more.

• It is still possible to apply for asylum. If you are currently in the U.S. and you have not submitted an asylum application, you can still submit one if you are eligible. There is a new $100 initial filing fee. Applying for asylum is a complicated decision that depends on your specific circumstances. Learn more about asylum.

Work permits based on asylum (updated June 15)

• A proposed rule would limit work permits. A new proposed rule would make it impossible for asylum seekers to apply for an initial work permit in the future. It would also make work permit renewals more difficult. But this proposed rule is NOT final yet. 

• You can apply for a work permit before the proposed rule becomes final. You can apply for an initial work permit 150 days after you apply for asylum. Consider applying for a renewal if your work permit is expiring in one year or less. Learn how to apply.

• Initial work permits for asylum seekers are still being processed. The government is supposed to process all initial work permit applications based on seeking asylum within 30 days. This never changed, including for asylum seekers from the 40 countries.

• Renewal delays are growing. Asylum seekers are experiencing long delays to receive their work permit renewals. Consider applying for a renewal if your work permit is expiring in one year or less. 

• Asylum seekers from 40 countries might receive work permit renewals again. Earlier this year, USCIS stopped processing work permit renewals for asylum seekers from 40 countries. On June 5, 2026, a court ruled that this policy was not legal, and told USCIS to start processing applications again. But the government has appealed the court’s ruling, and we do not know if the government will start to process large numbers of applications anytime soon.

• No new auto-extensions. The government has stopped issuing new automatic work permit extensions for people applying to renew their work permits on or after October 30, 2025. But if you already received a 540-day extension on or before October 29, your extension is still valid! Learn more here.

• New work permits are valid for 18 months. Work permits issued after December 4, 2025 are valid for 18 months, instead of 5 years – for asylum seekers and some other immigrants. But if you already received a 5-year work permit, it is still valid for the full 5 years. Learn more.

  • Note: We have heard that some people received an approval notice for a 5-year work permit on or before December 4, 2025, but then did not receive the actual work permit card, or received an 18-month work permit card instead.

• Fees have increased. It now costs $560 to apply for a first work permit as an asylum seeker. (Before, there was no fee.) The fee to renew an asylum-based work permit increased by $275. If you are renewing your work permit online, it now costs a total of $745. If you are renewing your work permit by mail, it now costs a total of $795. Learn more here.

Immigration court hearings (updated June 15)

• Prepare for court. If you have a case in immigration court, your case is still active until the judge makes a decision. Check your case status every week in case there is a new decision or a new hearing date. Read 10 things to know before your first immigration court hearing. If you have an upcoming hearing, it can be helpful to find a lawyer.

• Sudden hearings - check case status. Some immigration courts are scheduling hearings with very short notice, or moving already-scheduled hearings to earlier dates. If you miss your hearing, you will likely receive a deportation order. Check your case status frequently in case there is a new hearing date. Call the court hotline at 1-800-898-7180 or go to this website.

• Large master calendar hearings. Some immigration courts are scheduling master calendar hearings for hundreds of immigrants who do not have lawyers, all at the same time. Instead of having a short hearing for each person’s case, one by one, some judges are now speaking to everyone together as a group. Learn more here.

• Annual asylum fee. Some judges are sending notices to asylum seekers stating that the annual asylum fee of $102 is now due. If you receive a notice, it should include a deadline, and you can pay online. Learn more about the fee here (including how to pay).

• Ending cases early. The government is ending some cases in immigration court before the asylum seeker receives a full hearing. This could happen because of agreements with other countries, problems with fees, facts in the asylum application, or other reasons. Learn more.

• Administrative closure. If your immigration court case was previously administratively closed (your case is still in court but not scheduled for future hearings), check the status of your case. Many immigration court cases that were administratively closed, even for years, are being scheduled for new hearings. To check your case status, call the court hotline at 1-800-898-7180 or go to this website.

• Deportations to another country. The U.S. government is trying to end some immigration court asylum cases and send people to a third country to seek asylum there instead, even if they have never been to that country before. Learn more.

• Detention at court is less common. In 2025, there were widespread reports of arrests at immigration courts. As of Spring 2026, arrests at immigration courts are not as common. To learn about what is happening at your specific immigration court, you can try to find an organization for immigrants in your area. Learn how to prepare for the possibility of detention.

Immigration limits for 40 countries (updated June 15)

• A court ruled that the government has to end immigration limits for 40 countries. In early 2026, the government stopped processing most USCIS applications for immigrants from 40 countries, and imposed other restrictions. But on June 5, 2026, a court ruled that these government policies are not legal and told USCIS to start processing applications again. The government has appealed the court’s ruling, and we do not know if the government will start to process large numbers of applications anytime soon. You can learn more about the case here.

• The 40 countries are: Afghanistan, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burma (Myanmar), Burundi, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Gabon, the Gambia, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Palestine, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, Yemen, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

• Processing pause. Previously, USCIS had stopped processing most immigration applications for people from the 40 countries, including asylum, work permits based on seeking asylum, and permanent residency (green cards). But on June 5, the court ordered USCIS to stop this policy. The pause never applied to initial work permits based on seeking asylum, under category (c)(8). The pause also never applied to immigration court cases, including asylum cases in immigration court.

• Negative factor. Previously, USCIS had said that being from one of the countries on the list would be a “significant negative factor” in deciding many immigration applications, such as asylum or adjustment of status to permanent residence. But on June 5, the court ordered USCIS to stop this policy.

• Potential reversal of immigration approvals. Previously, the government said it would  review and potentially reverse past immigration approvals for people from the 40 countries who arrived in the U.S. on or after January 20, 2021. But on June 5, the court ordered the government to stop this policy. 

• Traveling to the United States. Unfortunately, individuals from the 40 countries still face restrictions when traveling to the United States. The June 5, 2026 court decision does not affect this. Learn more.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) (updated May 29)

• The U.S. government is trying to end TPS for certain countries: Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Cameroon, Ethiopia, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen.

• Immigrants are challenging these actions in multiple lawsuits, and the Supreme Court heard arguments on the lawsuits regarding TPS for Haiti and Syria on April 29, 2026. The Supreme Court will probably make a decision by early July 2026. The decision could affect TPS for other countries as well. Learn about the current status of TPS for different countries.

• TPS for Burma (Myanmar), Ethiopia, Haiti, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, and Yemen remain valid for now, thanks to court victories. If you received TPS for one of these countries, you should be protected from detention and deportation for now, and your work permit is extended automatically.

• TPS for Lebanon has been extended for another 6 months, until November 27, 2026.

• For TPS holders from El Salvador, Sudan, and Ukraine, if you applied to renew your work permit before October 30, 2025 and during your TPS re-registration period, your work permit may be automatically extended for 540 days after the printed expiration date. Learn more.

• There are new fees to register for TPS and apply for a work permit based on TPS. Learn more.

• New work permits based on TPS will only be valid for one year. Learn more.

• People with TPS can also apply for asylum or other types of immigration status if eligible. This can be a complicated decision that depends on your specific circumstances. If you decide to apply for another immigration status, it is best to apply before your TPS expires if possible.

Lawful permanent residence (green cards) (NEW)

• Different types of green cards: There are different ways to apply for lawful permanent residence (a “green card”) in the United States. For example, you can apply after you win asylum, apply based on some types of family relationships, apply based on an employer petition, or apply for other reasons. When you apply for a green card from inside the U.S. the process is called “adjustment of status.” When you apply from outside the U.S., the process is called “consular processing.” Read about different types of green cards.

• New policy may affect some green card applicants in the U.S.: On May 21, 2026, USCIS announced a new policy to make it harder for some people to receive a green card if they applied using Form I-485 from inside the United States. A lot of details about how this new policy will work are still unknown, and we will update this page as we learn more. 

  • Who should NOT be affected: This policy should not impact people applying for a green card based on winning asylum or being a refugee. It does not impact people applying for green cards in any category in immigration court. It also does not impact people applying for a green card from outside the U.S.

  • Who MIGHT be affected: We do not yet know if the policy will impact people applying for a green card with USCIS based on Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), a U-visa, a T-visa, or the Cuban Adjustment Act.

  • Who IS LIKELY affected: The new policy likely impacts people using Form I-485 to apply for a green card in the U.S. with USCIS based on family, employment, or VAWA, but the situation is still uncertain. USCIS says that it may grant these green card applications only in “extraordinary” circumstances. USCIS says it may now count staying in the U.S. past the date on your visa or parole as a major negative factor. USCIS may also consider positive factors such as family ties in the U.S., employment, education, and community involvement. In your green card interview, you may have to explain why you could not leave the U.S. to apply for your green card. Recent media reports suggest that USCIS may not be applying this policy as strictly for employment-based green cards.

  • Learn more: If you have applied for a green card from inside the U.S. or are planning to apply, you can learn more here. It may also be helpful to talk to a lawyer.

• Green card decisions might resume for 40 countries: Earlier this year, USCIS stopped making decisions on green card applications for immigrants from 40 countries. On June 5, 2026, a court ruled that this policy was not legal, and told USCIS to start processing applications again. But the government has appealed the court’s ruling, and we do not know if the government will start to process large numbers of applications anytime soon.

• New security checks: In April 2026, USCIS started new security checks for many applications, including green card applications. These new checks could cause longer delays and some people could be asked to attend biometrics appointments again. 

• Green card renewals: If you already have a green card, you can continue to renew your green card. The pause for 40 countries never applied to green card renewals.  

• Possible case reviews: In May 2026, the government said they will review cases of people who currently have green cards if they suspect fraud, or if the person has been arrested or convicted of certain crimes. We do not yet know how this process will work or how many people could be impacted. In general, someone with a green card should have a chance to fight their case in immigration court before they can be deported.

Driver’s licenses and travel within the U.S.

• Driver’s licenses: Many asylum seekers and other immigrants are eligible for driver’s licenses. Learn about your state’s requirements. 

• Commercial driver’s licenses: On March 16, 2026, the U.S. government issued a new rule blocking asylum seekers and other immigrants from receiving new commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs), which are special licenses for driving large and heavy vehicles. This rule is very similar to a 2025 rule the government tried to use to limit CDLs for immigrants, but that 2025 rule was blocked by a court. Now, immigrants are fighting the new policy with another lawsuit.

• Travel in the U.S.: Asylum seekers are allowed to travel within the United States, and many asylum seekers travel by car, bus, train, and airplane without a problem. However, since 2025, the risk of arrest and detention has increased significantly. While traveling, you may encounter immigration officials or police officers. They could ask questions about your immigration status or ask for documentation. It is possible that this could result in arrest and detention, even if you have a pending asylum application and a valid work permit. Learn more.

Detention and raids

• The U.S. government is conducting immigration raids, creating new detention centers, detaining many immigrants, and deporting people more quickly than before.

• Safety measures. Here are some safety measures that asylum seekers can take to protect themselves in the United States and prepare for the possibility of detention or deportation.

• Find someone in detention. If you have a loved one who is detained, learn about immigration detention (including how to find someone in detention and how to request release). You can also view this video on how to use the ICE website to find someone in detention.

• Detention at immigration appointments. The government has been detaining more people at ICE check ins. In 2025, there were widespread reports of arrests at immigration court, but as of spring 2026 this is not as common. Some people have also been detained at USCIS biometrics appointments if they had a removal order or prior criminal history. Read about how to prepare for the possibility of detention.

• Detention of refugees has been blocked. The government announced plans to detain refugees who have not yet become Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders). However, on March 23, 2026, a court blocked the government from detaining refugees for now.

• Deportation to third countries. The U.S. government is also trying to send some immigrants to other countries if they have a deportation order or if they won withholding or protection under the Convention against Torture (CAT). There have been reports of this happening across the country, and immigrants are fighting against this policy through a lawsuit. In case you are detained and told you could be sent to another country, you can learn how to request release from detention. If you are afraid to be sent to that country, tell as many immigration officers as possible. Learn more.

ICE check-ins

• Some immigrants have check-ins with ICE, and some do not. 

• The government is detaining more people during ICE check-ins. Learn more, including what you can do to prepare.

• If possible, talk to a lawyer before you go to your next ICE check-in. Find legal help here. 

• If you are detained at an ICE check-in, and you are afraid to return to your country of origin, you can tell as many immigration officers as possible that you are afraid to return to your country of origin and you want to seek asylum. 

Social security numbers

• Asylum seekers can apply to receive social security numbers once they receive their work permits.

• In the past, immigrants could request a social security number as part of their work permit applications and then they would receive a social security card automatically when their work permit was approved. However, social security numbers can no longer be requested in work permit applications. Instead, immigrants now have to apply for social security numbers separately.

• After you receive your first work permit, you can schedule an in-person appointment and fill out a form to apply for a social security card. You can watch this video to learn how to apply for a social number or you can follow these instructions.

• Social security offices may be sharing information with immigration agencies.

Parole (updated May 21)

• Many parole programs have ended. The government has stopped accepting new immigrants through these parole programs: CBP One parole, parole for immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV), Ukraine (U4U), Afghanistan (OAW), or El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Colombia (Family Reunification).

• CBP One parole is ending early for many people. If you received parole through CBP One, many people’s parole is no longer valid. The government is ending CBP One parole early for many people. Learn more here.

• Family Reunification Parole remains valid. If you currently have Family Reunification Parole (FRP), your parole and work permit remain valid for now. On December 12, 2025, the government announced that it would end parole on January 14, 2026 for most people who currently have FRP, but immigrants challenged this termination through a lawsuit.  

• CHNV Parole is ending early for many people. Many people who received CHNV parole received notices ending their parole and work permits early.

• Other immigration options. If you have parole and you do not already have another pending immigration application, you may want to consider applying for other immigration options before your parole ends, if you are eligible. Some people with parole could be eligible for asylum or other types of immigration status. However, this can be a complicated decision that depends on your specific circumstances. Every time you complete a new application, you are providing updated information to the government that they may not have already.

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) (updated June 15)

• You can still apply for SIJS as a new applicant. Earlier this year, USCIS stopped making decisions on SIJS applications for immigrants from 40 countries. On June 5, 2026, a court ruled that this policy was not legal, and told USCIS to start processing applications again. But the government has appealed the court’s ruling, and we do not know if the government will start to process large numbers of applications anytime soon.

• There is a new $250 fee to apply for SIJS.

• If you apply for SIJS before May 10, 2026, USCIS is supposed to automatically consider your case for “deferred action.” Deferred action protects you from deportation and allows you to apply for a work permit. However, USCIS appears to be denying deferred action for many SIJS applicants.

• If you apply for SIJS on or after May 10, 2026, you will no longer be considered for deferred action automatically. Instead, you will have to submit a separate request, but it may not be granted. See this USCIS policy memorandum.

• If you currently have a work permit based on SIJS deferred action, your work permit is still valid, unless you receive a notice from USCIS ending your deferred action. There are some reports of USCIS ending SIJS deferred action for people who already received it.

• Immigrants are fighting the negative changes to SIJS in a lawsuit.

• If you are granted SIJS, you may be eligible for permanent residence (a green card). However, there are currently long delays. When you apply for a green card, you can apply for a work permit based on the pending green card application.

• You can apply for asylum or other types of immigration status at the same time as you apply for SIJS. This can be a complicated decision that depends on your specific circumstances. Learn more about immigration options if you are under 18 years old.

Birthright citizenship

• The government is currently required to recognize the U.S. citizenship of all babies born in the United States.

• On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order that tried to restrict birthright citizenship. Thankfully, the Executive Order is now being blocked by multiple court orders called “injunctions” – including in the case brought by ASAP. The Supreme Court will most likely make a decision about the birthright citizenship Executive Order by June or early July 2026. Learn more here.

Leaving the United States

• If you want to leave the United States and no longer seek asylum, you can read about things to consider before leaving.

• Some people can use a government application called “CBP Home” to leave the United States. If you are eligible to use CBP Home, you may be able to get help with buying a plane ticket, and receive a stipend once you have left. The stipend is currently $2600. Learn more about CBP Home.

• Once you leave the United States, it may be very difficult to return legally in the future, depending on your circumstances, even if you use the CBP Home app.

Travel to the U.S. (updated May 28)

• The U.S. government has announced several travel and visa restrictions on different countries. Some countries have multiple restrictions imposed on them. Learn about each country’s restrictions here.

• Travel restrictions for 40 countries: The U.S. government is now restricting travel to the U.S. for citizens of 40 countries. Some countries have “full restrictions,” and others have “partial restrictions.”

  • Exceptions to the restrictions for all countries: For all 40 countries, there are exceptions to the restrictions. You can still travel to the U.S if you are a Lawful Permanent Resident, if you received a valid visa before January 1, 2026, if you have dual citizenship and your other country is not restricted, if you are a certain type of athlete, if you are a medical doctor, and if you are in some specific visa categories, mostly related to government duties. Learn more. There used to be more exceptions to the restrictions, but the government removed them in January 2026.

  • Full Restrictions: Citizens of countries with full restrictions will not be issued immigrant visas or non-immigrant visas, with the exceptions listed above. If you have won asylum, the process of bringing a spouse or child from one of these countries is also paused. The countries are: Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Mali, Niger, the Republic of Congo, Palestine, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

  • Partial Restrictions: Citizens of countries with partial restrictions will not be issued immigrant visas or some types of non-immigrant visas (B-1, B2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas), with the exceptions listed above. If you have won asylum, the process of bringing a spouse or child from one of these countries is also paused. The countries are: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, the Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

  • Limited Partial Restrictions: Citizens of Turkmenistan will not be issued immigrant visas, with the exceptions listed above, but they may still receive non-immigrant visas. If you have won asylum, the process of bringing a spouse or child from Turkmenistan is also paused.

• Tourist or business visa bonds for 50 countries: Citizens of 50 specific countries now need to pay a $5,000-$15,000 “visa bond” to the U.S. government before they can travel to the U.S., if they are granted a tourist or business visa.

  • The 50 countries are Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Botswana, Burundi, Cambodia, Cabo Verde, the Central African Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, the Gambia, Georgia, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Read more.

• Immigrant visa processing pause for 75 countries: The U.S. government has stopped processing immigrant visas for 75 countries. Immigrant visas are for people who wish to immigrate to the United States to live permanently. This pause should not affect non-immigrant visas such as tourist and temporary work visas, unless the country has a different travel restriction. The pause should also only affect people outside the United States, not those already inside the United States. Read more. Immigrant families are challenging the visa processing pause through a lawsuit.

  • The 75 countries are: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan and Yemen. 

• Temporary restrictions related to Ebola: Starting on May 18, 2026, the U.S. has paused visa services in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan, and is blocking entry to the U.S. for some people who have traveled through these countries in the last 21 days. The restrictions are supposed to be temporary and do NOT apply to U.S. citizens and U.S. military and government workers. Read about the visa pause and the travel restrictions.