DHS Eases Asylum Processing Freeze, Maintains Enhanced Screening

Policy shift lifts hold on many applications months after security-driven crackdown tied to National Guard attack.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 7:56am

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The Department of Homeland Security is beginning to scale back a broad pause on asylum processing that was implemented following a deadly attack on National Guard personnel, while maintaining heightened screening protocols for applicants. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has lifted the adjudication hold for many asylum cases after months of suspended processing.

Why it matters

The initial crackdown on asylum applications came after an Afghan national allegedly opened fire on two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., resulting in one death and serious injuries. The policy changes were intended to enhance security screening, but have faced criticism for restricting access to asylum.

The details

Under the updated policy, asylum processing will resume for applicants from countries not subject to current entry restrictions. However, the adjudication pause remains in effect for individuals from nations included in a travel ban affecting 39 countries. The administration stated that heightened scrutiny is necessary to identify foreign nationals who may pose risks to public safety or national interests prior to entry or admission into the United States.

  • In November, an Afghan national allegedly opened fire on two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., resulting in one death and serious injuries.
  • Following the attack, federal immigration authorities restricted asylum applications and halted immigration processes for individuals from 19 countries designated as high-risk.
  • In December, the administration expanded the travel ban to affect 39 countries.

The players

Rahmanullah Lakanwal

An Afghan national who allegedly opened fire on two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., resulting in one death and serious injuries.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

The agency that has lifted the adjudication hold for many asylum cases after months of suspended processing.

Department of Homeland Security

The government agency that is beginning to scale back the broad pause on asylum processing while maintaining heightened screening protocols.

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What they’re saying

“Maximum screening and vetting for all aliens continues unabated”

— USCIS spokesperson

What’s next

The administration also launched a vetting center in Atlanta to enhance screening capabilities, with a focus on identifying individuals considered potential threats to national security.

The takeaway

The policy shift aims to balance the resumption of immigration processing with continued emphasis on national security screening, as the government refocuses resources on cases identified as higher risk. However, the asylum application pause remains in effect for individuals from countries included in the expanded travel ban, raising concerns about access to asylum.