Trump lifts pause on asylum for some migrants

The Trump administration on Monday said it is renewing asylum application processing for migrants from some countries, partially reversing a pause it had imposed following a November shooting by an Afghan national. The move scales back current asylum restrictions but applies only to select nations, limiting its overall impact on the broader freeze on asylum intake. The administration had paused USCIS asylum processing after the shooting incident, citing security concerns tied to vetting procedures. This renewal signals a more selective approach to asylum rather than a wholesale lifting of restrictions, as the White House continues to prioritize immigration enforcement. The shift reflects the administration's effort to balance border security concerns with pressure over the scope of its asylum pause.