Trump Halts Green Card Applications: Refugees Asylees Vetting

The Trump administration has temporarily stopped processing certain green card applications, particularly those filed by refugees and asylum recipients, to conduct additional vetting. This directive comes from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in response to a January 2025 executive order from President Donald Trump focused on national security and public safety.

The Trump administration has implemented a temporary but indefinite pause on certain green card applications—specifically those filed by asylum seekers and refugees. This unexpected halt could leave tens of thousands in legal limbo, further complicating their already lengthy path to permanent residency.

A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson confirmed on March 25, 2025 that this action was the result of two new executive orders signed by President Donald Trump aimed at intensifying immigration vetting and enforcement. The orders referenced calls for rigorous vetting and screening to identify potential fraud and security risks among those applying for immigration benefits, particularly from high-risk regions. The DHS suspends green card processing specifically for refugees and asylees, affecting those already approved to enter the U.S., as well as individuals seeking to adjust their status.

The pause affects:

• Recent Afghan evacuees
• Venezuelan and Nicaraguan asylum grantees
• Central American and Middle Eastern refugee populations

This action has raised concerns among human rights organizations and immigration attorneys, who argue that:

• Refugees and asylees are already among the most vetted immigrants in the world
• Further delays can cause legal instability, job loss, and family separation

“Our clients have waited years to reach safety, and now they’re being told to wait again,” said a legal advocate with Human Rights First.

Key Points to Know

• Applications affected: Green card (adjustment of status) cases from refugees and asylees, including the temporary suspension of processing for refugees and asylees by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which suspends green card processing to conduct additional screening.
• Reason: Additional vetting and screening to identify potential threats or fraud
• Legal basis: Executive Order signed by Trump on Jan. 20, 2025
• Length of pause: Unknown—no end date announced
• Agency impact: May affect USCIS staffing and revenue due to processing delays

What the Executive Order Says

The executive order, titled “Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats”, 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 from regions with identified security risks.”

Read the full executive orderhere.

Who Is Affected by the Pause

According to DHS and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the pause affects:

• Refugees: Individuals approved for resettlement in the U.S. after passing international vetting and background checks
• Asylees: Individuals already in the U.S. who have been granted asylum due to credible threats in their home countries

The suspension of green card processing for refugees and asylees by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) affects individuals already vetted and approved for admission into the U.S., particularly those escaping unrest, and it is intended for additional screening amidst security concerns.

These groups were on track to adjust their immigration status and receive green cards, which grant permanent residency. Under current law, both groups must wait at least one year before applying for green cards after being admitted or granted protection.

The pause also impacts migrants who have recently raised asylum claims at the U.S. border, amidst concerns regarding thorough vetting and national security.

Refugees and asylees already undergo:

• Extensive background checks
• Biometric fingerprinting
• Medical screenings
• In-person interviews

Yet under this policy shift, they now face a second layer of scrutiny, delaying their permanent resident status.

Adjusting Status as a Refugee or Asylee in the U.S.:

Every year, thousands of individuals arrive in the United States as refugees or are granted asylum after fleeing persecution, war, or political oppression. While their initial admission gives them temporary protection, their ultimate goal is often to gain permanent legal status through a process known as adjustment of status.

Many of these individuals have raised asylum claims at the U.S. border, facing significant challenges in demonstrating persecution to qualify for asylum or refugee status.

For both refugees and asylum seekers, this process is essential for building a stable future in the U.S. But over the past decade, adjustment of status has become a more complex, delayed, and politically influenced pathway.

What Is Adjustment of Status?

Adjustment of status is the legal process that allows noncitizens already in the U.S. to become lawful permanent residents—also known as green card holders. For refugees and asylees, this process is distinct from other immigration pathways:

• Refugees must apply for a green card one year after arriving in the U.S.
• Asylees must wait one year after asylum is granted by the immigration court to apply

Both must undergo additional vetting, including:

• Fingerprinting and biometric checks
• Medical examinations
• Review of any criminal or security flags

Once approved, permanent residency offers security, the ability to work and travel freely, and eventually, the opportunity to apply for U.S. citizenship.

What Happens During “Adjustment of Status” Applications

Adjustment of status is the process by which a noncitizen already in the U.S. becomes a lawful permanent resident (green card holder).

USCIS vets applicants to ensure they:

• Have no serious criminal record
• Are not a public safety threat
• Are eligible under immigration law

This latest move adds an undefined second vetting phase—without explaining what’s being checked again or why.

Why Adjustment Matters

Green cards provide essential benefits:

• Work authorization without constant renewal
• Travel privileges (including reentry permits)
• Pathway to U.S. citizenship
• Protection from deportation

For refugees and asylum seekers, this status is not just paperwork—it is the key to rebuilding a safe and dignified life.

By the Numbers: Who’s Affected

According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) data:

Source: USCIS Annual Report

With the new pause, these timelines are expected to increase significantly.

What Triggered the Pause? National Security Concerns

The DHS cited two Trump executive orders as the legal basis:

1. “Protecting The United States From Foreign Terrorists And Other National Security And Public Safety Threats”
   • Directs federal agencies to intensify screening of all non-citizens
   • Applies to both new arrivals and current residents from “high-risk” countries
2. “Designating Cartels And Other Organizations As Foreign Terrorist Organizations”
   • Expands national security vetting to target global crime networks
   • Allows additional scrutiny of applicants from regions linked to these groups

These policies reflect Trump’s broader goal of enhancing vetting, but immigrant rights groups argue it equates to racial and religious profiling.

What This Means for Refugees and Asylum Seekers

Before the Pause:

• Under U.S. law, refugees can apply for green cards one year after arrival.
• Asylum seekers must be physically present in the U.S. and meet strict criteria before filing for permanent residency.
• Both groups undergo fingerprinting, background checks, medical exams, and multiple interviews.

Now:

• All green card applications for these groups flagged for additional security review
• No timeline has been given for when processing will resume
• Delays may lead to expired legal status, risking deportation

Impact on Humanitarian Parole Programs

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This move comes shortly after the termination of the CHNV Parole Program, which provided temporary protection to migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.

• Many parolees are now under threat of ICE enforcement
• Must leave the country or face detention
• More on the CHNV program rollback

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Other Recent Moves:

• February 2025: Paused immigration processing for Latin Americans and Ukrainians who arrived under Biden’s humanitarian parole programs
• Plans to scrutinize social media activity of immigrants applying for:
  • Green cards
  • U.S. citizenship
  • Asylum

New Vetting Measures: Social Media Under the Microscope

In addition to background checks, USCIS will now require immigrants to submit their social media usernames (also called handles) for further evaluation.

What’s Included in the Social Media Review:

• Platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube
• Posts, replies, comments, affiliations, and hashtags
• Publicly visible content that may flag national security or fraud concerns

This is part of what USCIS calls “enhanced identity verification and national security screening.”

Learn more about USCIS vetting policies
Review digital privacy and immigration

Expert Reactions and Criticism

Advocacy Groups Say:

“There is no justification for this action, other than discriminatory animus against people who seek refuge,” said Azadeh Erfani, NIJC.

Policy Analysts Warn:

“These applications already have insane wait times, and Trump is freezing them just to make it easier to deny them and deport people,” said David Bier, immigration analyst at the Cato Institute, on X (formerly Twitter).

Experts React: Redundant and Risky

Laura Collins, Director of the Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative, told NBC News:

“These individuals were already approved by the U.S. government to be here. The vetting has already happened. It’s unclear what additional layers will add—except delays.”

She noted that during Trump’s first term, USCIS delayed applications even for small technical issues, such as:

• Leaving a blank field (like “middle name”) on forms
• Minor inconsistencies that previously wouldn’t trigger rejections

Collins believes USCIS might expand reviews of social media activity, a tactic it previously used. Now, the agency may require handles for Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and more to screen for potential red flags.

“This sweeping and indefinite stop on green card processing is yet another attempt for this administration to baselessly paint all immigrants as a national security risk,” said Azadeh Erfani, Director of Policy at the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC).

Legal and Humanitarian Backlash

Immigrant advocacy groups and legal experts are calling the new pause unnecessary, harmful, and legally questionable.

“This puts thousands of already-vetted people in limbo. They’ve done everything right. Why make them wait even longer—or deport them?” — Immigration attorney with the ACLU

The administration has already been sued over similar actions related to refugee programs, and more legal challenges are expected.

What the Department of Homeland Security Says

In a statement, DHS explained the suspension:

“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.”

This means that even applicants who have already passed rigorous screening will now undergo a second round of reviews before their green card applications are processed.

Why This Is Happening

The directive follows two Trump-issued executive orders, including one titled:

“Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats”

This order requires agencies to:

• “Vet and screen to the maximum degree possible”
• Focus on immigrants from countries or regions labeled as security risks

Read more:

• Executive Order Summary – Federal Register

Who Could Be Impacted

This pause could apply to a wide range of migrants, including:

• Afghan evacuees who resettled in the U.S. after the 2021 withdrawal
• Individuals who requested asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border
• Those fleeing civil unrest, persecution, religious violence, or political retaliation

All of these individuals must demonstrate they face persecution based on:

• Race
• Religion
• Political opinion
• Nationality
• Membership in a particular social group

Already-Vetted, Vetted Again

Both refugees and asylum seekers undergo extensive security procedures long before reaching the green card stage.

For Refugees (Outside U.S.):

• Interviews by U.S. officials abroad
• Background checks by multiple agencies (FBI, DHS, State Department)
• Biometric data collection
• Health screenings

For Asylum Seekers (Inside U.S.):

• Credible fear interviews
• Court or USCIS adjudication
• Criminal record and background checks
• One-year wait before applying for a green card

What Makes This Pause Different

This isn’t the first time USCIS has delayed processing to enhance vetting. However, under Trump’s renewed focus on “maximum screening,” the scale of the pause—and the populations targeted—raise concerns among immigration attorneys and human rights advocates.

“People who have already passed the world’s most secure screening process are now being put on hold again, without knowing how long it will last,” one immigration lawyer told The Hill.

USCIS and Processing Delays: A Fragile Balance

USCIS is not funded by Congress—it operates on fees collected from applicants. When application processing slows down, it:

• Brings in less revenue
• Has to cut staffing and contracts
• Increases backlogs

USCIS had just started making progress in 2023 and 2024 by:

• Reducing its green card backlog by 15% in 2023
• Cutting another 11.2% in 2024, the first consistent improvement in a decade

Legal and Humanitarian Concerns

Immigrant rights groups argue the new pause could:

• Disrupt families waiting to reunite
• Trigger legal deadlines that could lead to deportation if status expires
• Deny green cards to people already legally eligible

Several advocacy organizations, including the National Immigration Forum, the American Immigration Council, and Human Rights First, are tracking the policy’s impact and preparing potential legal challenges.

Refugee and Asylee Green Card Trends (2014–2023)

Using USCIS public data, here’s how green card approvals have changed over the past 10 years:

Source: USCIS Yearbook of Immigration Statistics

Key Takeaways:

• Refugee green card approvals declined 35% from 2015 to 2020 due to lower refugee admissions and administrative backlogs.
• Asylee approvals steadily rose again after 2021, reflecting court victories and backlog clearance efforts.
• 2020–2021 dips were driven by COVID-19, office closures, and policy restrictions under the Trump administration.

Backlogs and Wait Times: The Growing Burden

Although USCIS law requires refugee and asylee adjustment cases to be prioritized, in reality, they are often delayed due to:

• Staffing shortages
• Budget constraints (USCIS is fee-funded)
• Policy shifts
• Extra vetting requirements

As of early 2025, USCIS had over 120,000 pending adjustment of status applications from refugees and asylees.

Processing times (as of 2024):

• Refugees: 8 to 12 months
• Asylees: 10 to 14 months
• In some regions, waits can exceed 18 months, especially after new vetting orders

Track average USCIS wait times here:
USCIS Processing Times Tool

Background: Vetting Costs and Backlogs

From 2016 to 2020, spending on immigration vetting nearly tripled, according to the Migration Policy Institute (MPI):

Meanwhile, fewer applications were processed, contributing to USCIS’s $1.2 billion shortfall in 2020.

How USCIS Is Funded—and Why Delays Matter

Unlike most government agencies, USCIS is primarily funded by application fees, not tax dollars.

Fewer applications processed = less revenue

Less revenue = fewer staff and services

As Collins points out:

“If you slow down processing, you take in less money. That means fewer employees, slower timelines, and potentially shrinking the agency itself.”

This could set off a negative feedback loop, further delaying immigration services for everyone.

What’s Happening at USCIS Now

Despite these new delays, USCIS had made recent progress in reducing its backlog:

But with the new pause in place, progress may stall again, especially for humanitarian categories.

What Comes Next?

The Trump administration is already facing legal challenges related to this pause and its recent dismantling of refugee and parole programs. Civil liberties groups argue the new vetting measures:

• Violate due process
• Target non-white immigrants
• May lead to constitutional challenges in federal court

Immigration lawyers also expect a rise in legal filings to protect green card applicants from deportation during the pause.

What You Can Do If You’re Affected

• Check your case status at the USCIS Case Status Tracker
• Consult with an immigration attorney—see AILA Immigration Lawyer Search
• Stay informed via trusted organizations:
  • National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC)
  • American Immigration Council
  • Human Rights First

FAQs on Trump’s Suspends Green Card Processing for Asylees and Refugees Due to “Extreme Vetting”

GENERAL OVERVIEW

What is “adjustment of status” for asylees and refugees?
Adjustment of status is the process by which someone in the U.S. who has already been granted asylum or refugee status applies for lawful permanent residence (a green card), usually after a one-year waiting period.

What did the Trump administration change regarding this process?
The Trump administration significantly slowed, paused, or halted the processing of many green card applications from asylees and refugees, citing the need for “extreme vetting.” This included additional background checks, biometric re-screening, and security assessments.

Was this pause officially announced?
No formal public policy announcement was made in many cases. Instead, USCIS processing delays, internal policy memos, and whistleblower reports revealed the systemic slowdown. Congressional inquiries later confirmed that security “holds” were placed on thousands of cases.

IMPACTS ON CASES AND TIMELINES

How long were cases paused?
Many applications were delayed for 2–5 years or more. Some asylees waited up to 7 years for green card approval, far exceeding the usual processing timeline of 8–14 months.

Were all asylee and refugee green card applications paused?
No, not all were paused. The delays were uneven, with many applicants from Muslim-majority or certain African, Middle Eastern, or South Asian countries disproportionately affected.

What agencies were involved in these delays?
USCIS handled the processing but collaborated closely with DHS, the FBI, and the Office of Refugee Resettlement. The FBI’s National Name Check Program and security vetting via DHS’s “Controlled Application Review and Resolution Program” (CARRP) often contributed to delays.

ELIGIBILITY AND LEGAL STATUS DURING THE PAUSE

Can I lose my asylum or refugee status while my green card is pending?
Generally, no. Asylum and refugee status remain valid even if your green card application is paused—unless the government tries to reopen your asylum case or alleges fraud or security issues.

Can I still work while my application is paused?
Yes, asylees and refugees have unrestricted work authorization. However, if you apply for a green card and don’t also renew your EAD (Employment Authorization Document), you may face work difficulties unless you clarify your status with employers.

Does this pause affect my ability to travel abroad?
Yes, it can. If your green card is delayed and you have not applied for or received a Refugee Travel Document (Form I-131), you may not be able to reenter the U.S. if you leave. You should not use your home country’s passport to travel, as it may raise red flags.

Can I apply for naturalization (U.S. citizenship) if my green card is delayed?
No. You cannot apply for citizenship until you are a lawful permanent resident (LPR). The delay in receiving a green card directly delays your eligibility to naturalize.

SECURITY-RELATED ISSUES AND CARRP

What is CARRP, and how does it relate to this pause?
CARRP (Controlled Application Review and Resolution Program) is a DHS program that delays or denies immigration benefits to individuals flagged as “national security concerns,” often based on vague, unproven associations. Many paused cases were secretly routed through CARRP.

How does someone end up on a security hold or CARRP list?
Triggers may include travel to certain countries, attending particular mosques, having friends or relatives under investigation, or simply sharing a name with someone on a government watchlist.

Can I find out if my case is on a CARRP hold?
Usually not directly. However, prolonged silence (over 2 years), repeated security check mentions, or FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) requests may hint at CARRP involvement.

Is there a way to challenge or remove a CARRP designation?
There is no formal appeal process for CARRP. Litigation (federal lawsuits) has been one of the only effective ways to force USCIS to act on affected cases.

LEGAL AND ADVOCACY OPTIONS

Can I sue USCIS if my case is paused for years?
Yes. Filing a mandamus lawsuit in federal court can compel USCIS to act on long-delayed cases. Courts can’t force approval, but they can require USCIS to make a decision within a reasonable time.

Is it risky to sue the government over a paused green card case?
It depends. Mandamus lawsuits are common and legal. However, if your case has red flags, USCIS may scrutinize it more closely. It’s essential to consult an experienced immigration attorney before suing.

Do I need a lawyer to fight the delay?
While not legally required, it is highly advisable to work with an attorney—especially if your case may involve CARRP, complex country-of-origin issues, or if you’re considering federal litigation.

Can Congressional assistance help?
Yes. Contacting your U.S. Representative or Senator’s office to initiate a congressional inquiry can sometimes unstick a delayed case or get information USCIS won’t release to you directly.

FAMILY AND DERIVATIVE ISSUES

Does this pause affect derivative family members of asylees or refugees?
Yes. If you filed a Form I-730 (Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition) or your family is trying to join you through follow-to-join procedures, their entry and adjustment may also be delayed due to vetting.

Can my spouse or child age out during this pause?
Yes. Derivative children who turn 21 while waiting may lose eligibility if USCIS does not apply the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) correctly. Legal intervention may be needed.

LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES AND POLICY OUTLOOK

Did the Biden administration end this pause?
The Biden administration rolled back many Trump-era vetting policies and resumed processing paused cases. However, backlogs remain, and some national security screening mechanisms are still in place.

Could this happen again under a second Trump administration?
Yes. Trump and his allies have signaled plans to reintroduce extreme vetting, possibly expanding it to more immigrant categories. Future pauses, delays, or mass denials are possible if such policies are revived.

Can green card applications be denied purely for being from certain countries?
Not officially, but under Trump, many applicants from majority-Muslim or conflict-region countries saw disproportionate delays or denials under vague “discretionary” or security-based grounds.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CASE IS DELAYED

What steps can I take if my green card has been paused for more than 2 years?

• Contact USCIS to request a status update (use Form G-639 or online tools).
• File a FOIA request to review your case history.
• Reach out to a congressional office.
• Consult an immigration attorney to consider mandamus litigation.
• Keep renewing your EAD and travel documents if needed.

Should I reapply if my case was denied or closed without explanation?
Possibly, but it depends on the reason. If denial was due to a missed interview or document issue, a motion to reopen may work. If due to alleged security concerns, legal help is essential.

Are there risks of removal or deportation if my application is paused or denied?
Asylees and refugees are generally protected from removal unless USCIS or ICE alleges fraud, criminal conduct, or national security threats. However, prolonged delays may increase scrutiny, so staying in legal status and documenting your case history is important.

What Immigrants Should Know and Do

If you’re a refugee or asylee waiting on your green card:

Steps to Take:

• Check your case online at the USCIS Case Status Tracker
• Consult a trusted immigration attorney—find one through AILA Lawyer Search
• Document any communications you receive from USCIS
• Update your address with USCIS if you move
• Document everything, including receipts, interview dates, and USCIS notices
• Follow updates from legal and advocacy groups like:
  • National Immigration Forum
  • American Immigration Council
  • Human Rights First

Take Action: Consult an Experienced Immigration Attorney Today

The Trump administration’s recent suspension of adjustment of status cases for refugees and asylees has left thousands in legal limbo—unable to move forward with their lives, reunite with family, or secure the stability that lawful permanent residency provides. These delays are not just bureaucratic inconveniences; they are life-altering roadblocks that demand prompt, strategic legal action.

In this uncertain environment, speaking with a seasoned immigration attorney is more important than ever. At Herman Legal Group, our team has decades of experience representing refugees and asylees facing complex legal and procedural hurdles. Whether your case has been unreasonably delayed, flagged for additional vetting, or simply left unanswered for years, we can help you understand your legal options and fight for the resolution you deserve.

One powerful legal tool available is the writ of mandamus—a federal lawsuit that can compel U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to take action on long-delayed cases. While a writ of mandamus cannot force approval, it can break through prolonged silence and push the government to finally make a decision.

Every case is different, and the right strategy depends on your individual circumstances. That’s why scheduling a personalized consultation with an experienced immigration attorney is the first and most critical step. Our legal team will review your case history, identify possible red flags, assess whether litigation is appropriate, and guide you through your next move with clarity and confidence.

Don’t let your future be stalled by policy changes and administrative backlogs. Contact Herman Legal Group today to schedule a confidential consultation and begin taking control of your immigration journey.

Call 216-696-6170

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