Council and AILA File Lawsuit to Compel DHS and USCIS to Release Details about the Suspension of Processing Asylees’ and Refugees’ Green Card Applications

On March 25, 2025, media reports revealed that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) had paused processing green card applications filed by asylees and refugees. This suspension affects tens of thousands of individuals who were granted protection in the United States after fleeing persecution and are now seeking lawful permanent residence.

USCIS has not issued a formal public announcement explaining the pause. Instead, the agency has made only limited statements to the media, leaving applicants and attorneys without clear guidance on how cases will be handled or how long the suspension will remain in place.

Due to the lack of transparency, the American Immigration Council and the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) filed requests under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) with USCIS and the Department of Homeland Security.

The requests seek records related to:

• Internal agency communications about the green card processing suspension

• Guidance provided to USCIS officers on implementing the pause

• Any new or additional vetting procedures being applied to asylee and refugee green card applicants

To date, the agencies have not responded to these requests.

As a result, on June 24, the Council and AILA filed a lawsuit in federal court in Washington, D.C., seeking to compel USCIS and DHS to release information explaining the suspension and how it is being carried out.

While reports suggest the pause is temporary and intended to allow for additional vetting, refugees and asylees already undergo extensive background checks before receiving protected status. USCIS has not explained why further review is necessary or provided a timeline for when green card processing will resume.

If you are an asylee or refugee with a pending green card application, this suspension may result in significant delays. Because USCIS has not issued formal guidance, it is important to consult with an experienced immigration attorney to monitor your case and explore any available options.