Table of Contents
For thousands of refugees and asylum seekers who have fought through uncertainty, displacement, and years of rigorous vetting, the dream of finally securing a green card in the United States is now hanging in the balance. The U.S. government has abruptly paused the processing of some legal permanent residency applications, triggering fear, frustration, and anxiety among those whose futures depend on it. This decision, driven by heightened security screening requirements, has intensified concerns over delays, backlogs, and the broader impact on immigration policies.
President Donald Trump’s latest executive order, issued in January 2025, directs immigration authorities to implement additional screening measures for individuals seeking to adjust their status to permanent residency. As a result, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has temporarily halted the finalization of green card applications for certain applicants, particularly refugees and asylees. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has stated that this move is necessary to strengthen vetting procedures and enhance national security.
The Push for More Stringent Screening
The policy shift falls under Trump’s executive order titled Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats. This directive aims to enforce stricter immigration controls, focusing on individuals from regions or countries perceived as security risks. While the administration insists that the pause is temporary, there is no clear timeline for when normal processing will resume.
Reports confirm that USCIS staff, as of March 25, 2025, have been instructed to conduct extra vetting for refugees and asylum recipients applying for green cards. The agency released a statement confirming the move, stating that it is “placing a temporary pause on finalizing certain adjustment of status applications pending the completion of additional screening and vetting.” However, officials have not disclosed exactly which cases are affected, how long the suspension will last, or how this decision might impact agency operations and funding.
Refugees and Asylees Face Yet Another Barrier
The U.S. immigration system is already a challenging and time-consuming process, especially for refugees and asylum seekers. These individuals undergo extensive background checks before they are even allowed to enter the United States. Once granted asylum or refugee status, they must wait a full year before they can even apply for a green card. Now, with the new security screening measures in place, they are facing yet another roadblock that could delay their path to permanent residency indefinitely.
Laura Collins, Director of the Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative, emphasized that refugees and asylees have already been thoroughly vetted through multiple government agencies before arriving in the U.S. The additional security measures now being imposed raise concerns about prolonged processing times, increased backlogs, and the broader impact on the immigration system.
Many of these individuals have already endured years of displacement, war, and persecution. For them, receiving a green card is more than just a legal document—it is the key to stability, employment, and the ability to reunite with family members. However, with this policy shift, they are now left in limbo, uncertain about their future in the country they have fought to call home.
The Impact on USCIS Operations and the Immigration System
The decision to delay certain green card applications comes at a time when USCIS has been making efforts to clear its backlog of pending cases. The agency, which operates largely on fee revenue from immigration applications, could face financial challenges if fewer applications are processed.
The Migration Policy Institute, a leading immigration think tank, has reported that USCIS spending on vetting nearly tripled from $53 million in 2016 to $149 million in 2020. The additional resources allocated to vetting and security measures could further strain the agency’s budget, potentially leading to longer processing times for all immigration applications.
Advocates and immigration policy experts warn that this move could have long-term consequences. If green card applications continue to be delayed, it could impact the ability of refugees and asylees to secure stable employment, access benefits, and establish permanent roots in the U.S. The increased scrutiny could also deter future applicants, making the process even more daunting for those seeking safety and opportunity in the United States.
What Comes Next?
With no clear timeline for when green card processing will resume for refugees and asylees, applicants are left in a state of uncertainty. Immigration lawyers and advocacy groups are closely monitoring the situation, urging the administration to provide more transparency on how long these additional vetting measures will take.
For those affected, the wait continues. As policies shift and immigration procedures become even more complex, staying informed is more crucial than ever. If you want to stay ahead with the latest news on global innovation, leadership, entrepreneurship, business, and tech, join us on WhatsApp or Telegram for real-time updates. Have a report or article? Send it to report@theinnovationtimes.com. Follow us on X (Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Pinterest, and Facebook for more insights and trends.
