USCIS Freezes All Immigration Cases From 19 Countries, Leaving 1.4 Million Asylum Seekers in Limbo

USCIS halted processing of all immigration applications from 19 countries on December 1, 2025, citing security-vetting review requirements. The freeze affected approximately 1.4 million pending cases, including asylum claims, green card applications, and family reunification petitions. No timeline for resumption was given. Immigration attorneys said applicants faced indefinite status uncertainty with no legal recourse.