USCIS Implements Stricter Review Procedures for Immigration Benefits from Designated Countries

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has implemented significant policy changes that tighten review procedures for immigration benefit requests from nationals of certain countries designated as high-risk. The changes, enacted in response to Presidential Proclamation 10949, affect asylum applications, green card petitions, status changes, extensions, and other benefit requests. The policy directs USCIS officers to place holds on many pending applications, including I-589 asylum applications, from nationals of the 19 countries identified in the proclamation. Previously approved benefit requests for individuals from these countries who entered the United States on or after January 20, 2021, are now subject to re-review.

Adjudicators have been instructed to apply country-specific factors outlined in the proclamation when exercising discretion over both pending and future benefit requests. Under prior policy, approved benefit requests typically proceeded subject only to standard processing delays rather than special country-based review. The new approach makes country of origin a significant negative factor by default for asylum and status-based benefit requests. For asylum seekers, even properly filed I-589 applications may now be effectively frozen while USCIS conducts additional security and vetting procedures. The policy affects nationals from all countries listed under PP 10949, with potential expansion if the list grows.

Any pending application for asylum or other immigration benefits filed by individuals from these countries, whether submitted before or after the policy update, may be placed on hold. Individuals whose benefits were previously approved, including asylum grants, status changes, or pending green cards, may face re-review or possible referral to law enforcement depending on their entry date. In practical terms, pending asylum applications may experience indefinite delays with no interviews scheduled or adjudications completed, even if filed long ago. Other benefit requests, including adjustment of status, change-of-status applications, and extensions, may face similar delays.

Previously approved cases may be reopened or re-evaluated, particularly for beneficiaries who entered after January 20, 2021. Applicants may also face referrals to enforcement agencies or additional vetting procedures such as interviews and background checks. The policy shift represents a substantial change in how USCIS processes applications from designated countries, creating uncertainty for many individuals who submitted applications in good faith or had them previously approved. The implementation follows the issuance of Presidential Proclamation 10949 in October 2025, which established enhanced screening requirements for nationals from countries identified as presenting elevated security concerns.