U.S. Partially Resumes Asylum Processing

The administration of President Donald Trump has begun easing a policy that had paused the processing of asylum applications in the United States, signaling a partial rollback of one of the stricter immigration measures implemented recently.

The suspension was introduced in November 2025 following a shooting incident in Washington, D.C., involving an asylum applicant. In response, the administration tightened immigration procedures, citing national security concerns.

As a result, the review of millions of asylum applications handled by immigration services—particularly those outside the court system was effectively put on hold.

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the government will now resume processing most cases, especially those involving individuals from countries not classified as “high risk.”

However, the suspension remains in place for nationals of approximately 40 countries included in travel and immigration restriction lists, many of which are located in Africa and the Middle East, as well as countries such as Afghanistan and Iran.

In an official statement, DHS indicated that this adjustment will allow the government to focus resources on more thorough screening of sensitive cases, while maintaining stricter vetting standards for certain applicants.

Despite the partial reopening of asylum processing, several other immigration restrictions remain unchanged. Limitations continue to affect visa applications, green card processes, and even naturalization for individuals from designated countries.

This policy is part of a broader effort under Trump’s current term to tighten the legal immigration system. Critics argue that such measures disproportionately impact individuals who are attempting to follow legal pathways, while the administration maintains that they are necessary to prevent fraud and strengthen national security.

Although the resumption of some asylum cases may help move forward thousands of pending applications, significant uncertainty remains for individuals from countries still subject to heightened restrictions.