Green card pause for refugees, asylees: How long is the wait and what will be the processing time; all your questions answered

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has hit the brakes on green card processing for certain refugees and asylees, citing the need for “additional screening and vetting”. This unexpected move leaves thousands of applicants in legal limbo, adding uncertainty to the lives of those who sought safety in the U.S. after fleeing persecution. The directive, issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), impacts individuals who were already approved for entry as refugees and those granted asylum by U.S. immigration courts.

Why did DHS suspend green card applications?

USCIS has paused finalizing Adjustment of Status (green card) applications to conduct deeper vetting and fraud detection. According to DHS, this move aligns with two executive orders issued by former President Donald Trump. These directives mandate federal agencies to “vet and screen to the maximum degree possible” anyone seeking admission or lawful status in the U.S., particularly those from regions considered high-risk.

While refugees undergo extensive vetting abroad before arriving and asylees secure protection after rigorous legal processes, DHS maintains that further scrutiny is necessary to prevent fraud and safeguard national security.

Who will be affected by the green card pause?

The pause affects a broad spectrum of immigrants, including:

• Afghan evacuees who were granted entry following the U.S. military’s 2021 withdrawal.
  
  
• Asylees who proved credible fear of persecution and secured protection in U.S. immigration courts.
  
  
• Refugees admitted after passing multiple layers of background checks, medical screenings, and interviews.
  
  

These groups, once considered on a path to lawful permanent residency, now face indefinite delays due to