US Halts Green Card Processing for Select Cases – Indian Asylum Seekers May Be Impacted

In a major immigration shake-up that’s stirring deep concern in immigrant communities, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has paused Green Card processing for certain groups. While the new policy doesn’t name specific nationalities, its impact is hitting Indian nationals particularly hard—especially those seeking asylum or trying to adjust their status after being granted humanitarian relief.

The DHS is framing the pause as a necessary move to tighten national security and fraud checks. But for thousands of Indian applicants—many of whom fled political persecution, caste discrimination, or religious violence—it’s a painful setback that extends uncertainty and delays their path to permanent residency.

Policy

So what exactly is changing? DHS has temporarily halted the processing of Green Cards through humanitarian pathways like asylum and refugee programs.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Reason

The official word is this: DHS wants to improve system integrity. Officials say this “administrative review period” is all about updating background check protocols, improving fraud detection, and boosting national security across the board.

The goal, according to DHS, is to ensure that lawful permanent residency is granted only after the system has done its due diligence—especially in high-volume asylum regions where fraud risks are higher.

Surge

One major reason Indian nationals are disproportionately affected is the recent surge in asylum claims from India. Just take a look at these numbers:

That’s a massive 466% jump in just five years. Many of these individuals are fleeing targeted violence, caste-based harm, or political threats. But the sheer volume of applications has triggered delays, suspicion, and processing overload.

Effects

This pause doesn’t just slow paperwork. It affects real lives in several ways:

1. Green Card Delays
   Applicants now face 12 to 24 months or more before their cases move forward.
2. Work Authorization Disruptions
   Employment Authorization Document (EAD) renewals are delayed, risking job loss and financial stress.
3. Travel Restrictions
   Advance Parole documents are harder to get. If asylum seekers travel abroad without this, they could lose their case.
4. Mental Strain
   Waiting for years with no clarity takes a toll—mentally, emotionally, and financially.

Action

Here’s what Indian asylum seekers can do right now:

• Keep Documents Updated
  Double-check that your EAD, address, and USCIS online profile are current.
• Track Your Case
  Sign up on USCIS.gov for notifications and case status updates.
• Talk to an Immigration Lawyer
  Legal advice is critical. Ask about humanitarian parole, family petitions, or expedited processing.
• Don’t Travel Without Permission
  Leaving the U.S. without Advance Parole can cause your case to be closed permanently.

Advocacy

Community and legal groups are speaking out. South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT), the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), and RAICES have called for immediate action. Their requests include:

• Transparency from DHS
• Processing timelines for pending Green Cards
• Counseling and mental health support

Their message is loud and clear: pausing these applications is unfair to those already living in fear and uncertainty.

System

Let’s be real—this isn’t just about individual applicants. The whole immigration system is being stress-tested.

Pros of the Pause:

• Improves fraud prevention
• Strengthens national security
• Allows better system upgrades

Cons of the Pause:

• Slows family reunification
• Adds pressure to immigration courts
• Damages trust in the process

The review period will be reassessed every 60 days, but full reinstatement might take much longer—possibly 6 months or more.

Tips

Here’s how to stay ahead of the chaos:

• Save Every Update
  Create a digital folder for emails, receipts, biometrics letters, and USCIS updates.
• Use USCIS Tools
  Monitor Forms I-485, I-765, I-131, and AR-11.
• Stay Connected
  Join forums like “Indian Asylum Seekers USA” or WhatsApp groups that share USCIS updates.
• Seek Support
  Many nonprofits and community centers offer free legal and mental health support.

This pause might feel like a door slamming shut—but it’s more of a delay than a denial. With persistence, preparation, and the right legal help, many Indian asylum seekers can still work toward their American dream. Stay informed, stay ready, and don’t give up hope.

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