Latest changes to humanitarian parole programs, including private sponsorship programs

USCIS Pauses Asylum and Other Immigration Applications: What You Need to Know

In early December, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued several policy changes that significantly affect asylum seekers and individuals who entered the United States through humanitarian parole programs. These changes impact asylum applications, work permits, green card processing, and parole renewals.

USCIS Pauses Asylum Decisions

On December 2, USCIS announced a nationwide pause on final decisions for all pending asylum applications (Form I-589), regardless of nationality. While asylum interviews may still take place, USCIS is not approving or denying cases at this time.

New asylum applications may still be filed, but they will not be decided until further notice. This pause also affects individuals who entered the U.S. through humanitarian parole pathways and later applied for asylum.

Processing Halt for Applicants From Certain Countries

The same USCIS memo also paused the processing of green cards and other immigration applications for individuals from 19 countries included in the Trump administration’s travel ban announced in June. These countries include Cuba, Haiti, and Venezuela, meaning some humanitarian parole beneficiaries may be impacted.

USCIS also stated it will re-review immigration benefits approved on or after January 20, 2021 for individuals from these countries. This includes green cards and work permits. A re-review does not automatically mean benefits will be revoked, but it may result in additional screening, interviews, or requests for evidence.

Shorter Work Permits for Certain Applicants

On December 4, USCIS announced it is reducing the validity period of some new Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) from five years to 18 months. This change applies to new applications filed on or after December 5, 2025, and affects:

• Refugees

• Asylees and individuals with pending asylum or withholding applications

• Individuals granted withholding of removal

• Applicants with pending adjustment of status or cancellation of removal cases

• Certain individuals whose parole status has been terminated

Existing work permits are not affected.

Termination of CHNV Humanitarian Parole

Following a Supreme Court decision on May 30, DHS began sending termination notices in June to individuals who entered the U.S. through the CHNV humanitarian parole program (Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Venezuela). This includes termination of both parole status and work authorization.

Re-Parole for Ukrainians Continues

USCIS has resumed processing Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) re-parole applications. Ukrainian parolees awaiting renewal or work authorization may request congressional assistance if their cases are delayed.

New $1,000 Humanitarian Parole Fee

As of October 16, DHS now charges a $1,000 fee each time humanitarian parole or re-parole is granted, as required by new federal law. The fee is due only if parole is approved, not when the application is filed.

This fee applies to U4U re-parole applicants, including minors, with limited exceptions for emergencies. Failure to pay the fee within the deadline will result in denial of the re-parole request. This fee does not apply to terminated programs such as CHNV.

Applying for Permanent Status

In May 2025, a federal court ordered DHS to restart processing immigration applications for individuals in humanitarian parole programs. As a result, parolees may once again apply for asylum or other permanent immigration benefits if eligible.

How an Immigration Attorney Can Help

These rapid policy changes have created confusion and uncertainty for many immigrants and families. If you have a pending asylum application, humanitarian parole status, or work permit, it is critical to speak with an experienced immigration attorney to understand how these changes affect your case and what steps to take next.