WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — The Trump administration has begun rolling back a sweeping asylum crackdown that halted hundreds of thousands of immigration applications, according to two Department of Homeland Security officials. The move signals a partial shift in U.S. immigration policy while maintaining strict limits on applicants from dozens of countries.
The administration has lifted an unprecedented pause on asylum cases handled by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Officials had imposed the freeze in late November after a deadly shooting involving an Afghan national who had previously received asylum. The suspension stopped all asylum requests filed outside immigration courts. It applied to applicants from every country. Officials said the measure addressed urgent national security concerns.
Now, DHS has decided to resume processing for most asylum seekers. The agency confirmed that it has restarted adjudication for individuals from countries it considers lower risk. In a statement, DHS said the change allows officials to focus resources on higher-risk cases while maintaining strict screening procedures. The agency emphasized that “maximum vetting” remains in place.
Despite the broader rollback, the asylum freeze remains in effect for applicants from 39 countries. These nations fall under a Trump-era travel ban that restricts entry or imposes tight immigration controls. The list includes countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, such as Afghanistan, Iran, Nigeria, Cuba, and Venezuela. The administration expanded the travel ban in December following the Washington shooting.
Immigrants from these countries still face a full suspension of asylum processing. The administration has also frozen other immigration benefits for these nationals. These include work permits, green cards,s and even U.S. citizenship applications. Officials say the restrictions target countries with what they describe as weak vetting systems or security risks.
The asylum crackdown began after a shooting in Washington, D.C., involving an Afghan man who had been granted asylum in 2025. Two National Guard members were shot, and one later died. The incident prompted the administration to pause immigration processing across multiple categories. Officials argued that the move would help review screening procedures and prevent similar incidents.
The pause marked one of the most aggressive actions against legal immigration in recent years. It effectively shut down large parts of the asylum system for months. Now, the partial rollback suggests a more targeted approach. The administration aims to balance national security concerns with the need to process immigration applications.
The asylum policy is part of a wider effort to tighten the U.S. immigration system. Since returning to the office, President Donald Trump has introduced several measures to restrict both illegal and legal immigration. These include limiting work permits for asylum seekers and reviewing refugee admissions approved under the previous administration. Officials say these steps aim to reduce fraud and strengthen national security.
At the same time, critics argue the policies unfairly target legal immigrants. Advocacy groups say the restrictions punish people who follow the rules and seek protection through legal channels. Recent reports indicate the administration may adjust its messaging and tactics amid political pressure and public backlash.
