The Trump administration has restarted the review process for asylum applications that were put on hold since late 2025. However, this measure is not all-encompassing. It only aids applicants from countries not listed among 39 nations deemed high-risk, a list that includes Cuba.
This decision means that the “pending asylum cases, paused by the federal government since late 2025 due to National Security concerns, are being unfrozen.”
Nevertheless, the relief is limited. Citizens from those 39 countries, such as Venezuela, remain under restrictions, significantly curtailing the actual impact of the announcement.
Cuba is part of the group of nations labeled as high-risk by the current administration, so its citizens do not benefit from the resumption of asylum processes.
Prioritizing Resources for High-Risk Cases
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the decision aims to allocate resources based on risk levels:
“This measure allows us to focus resources on maintaining a rigorous security and public safety verification process for higher-risk cases.”
Practically, this means some applicants may resume interviews or receive decisions, but cases linked to those 39 nations remain frozen.
Advice for Affected Applicants
Attorney Benítez advises those within this group to keep their files updated and their addresses current to avoid missing future notifications.
The partial lifting of the suspension enables the reactivation of interviews and decisions in cases that had been stalled for months, but only for applicants from countries not on the list. For others, there are no changes at present.
The Origin of the Migration Pause
The asylum process freeze was imposed in November 2025 following a shooting in Washington D.C., when an Afghan citizen—who entered the U.S. under a humanitarian program—shot at National Guard members, resulting in one death and one serious injury.
In response, the Trump administration ordered an unprecedented suspension of all asylum applications processed outside immigration courts, regardless of the applicant's nationality.
The list of restricted countries was expanded in December 2025 to include 39 nations.
Broader Restrictions Beyond Asylum
Cuba's inclusion is linked to its designation as a state sponsor of terrorism and its refusal to accept repatriations. Venezuela is on the list due to the absence of a central authority capable of issuing reliable documents.
Limitations extend beyond asylum. Citizens of these 39 countries also face suspension of other immigration benefits, including:
- Work permits
- Permanent residency (green card)
- Citizenship applications
These measures are part of a broader immigration policy that the Trump administration has tightened since early 2025, including the termination of programs like CBP One, mass raids, and increased restrictions for asylum seekers.
Government officials justify these actions as necessary to bolster national security and combat immigration fraud.
However, immigrant advocacy groups argue that these policies harm individuals who meet legal requirements.
In this context, the partial reactivation of cases provides limited relief: while some applicants see their processes resumed, others—including Cubans—remain in indefinite limbo under current restrictions.
FAQs on Trump Administration's Asylum Policy Changes
Why are some asylum cases still frozen?
Asylum cases from countries on the high-risk list, including Cuba and Venezuela, remain frozen due to national security concerns.
What should affected asylum seekers do?
Affected asylum seekers should keep their documents updated and maintain current contact information to receive any future updates.
What other immigration benefits are suspended?
Aside from asylum, work permits, permanent residency, and citizenship applications are also suspended for citizens of the 39 high-risk countries.