Immigration Policy: Key Updates and Impacts

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The U.S. government has set the 2026 refugee cap at 7,500, with most spots designated for Afrikaners. However, a refugee entry ban remains in place, meaning arrivals require exemptions. Meanwhile, SNAP food assistance programs will continue temporarily under emergency court orders, though some states may cut off benefits for refugees and humanitarian arrivals starting November 1. 

A new USCIS rule eliminates automatic 540-day EAD extensions for renewal applications filed after October 30, 2025. Applicants are urged to renew up to 180 days before expiration to avoid work gaps. Additionally, USCIS will no longer accept checks or money orders, requiring online or card payments instead. 

 Citizenship application processing times have risen from 5 to 8 months, and denials are up 24%, reflecting stricter reviews. The $100 asylum application fee remains, but the annual fee is paused due to ongoing litigation. Applicants should monitor updates as this pause may be temporary.

Reports show an increase in ICE raids and arrests across major cities including Denver, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Seattle. Immigrants are encouraged to know their rights and prepare safety plans. The Department of Homeland Security has also expanded social media screening, with potential implications for asylum and visa applicants. 

 Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is being limited or ended for several countries:

• South Sudan: Ends Nov 3, 2025
• Venezuela: 2021 designation ends Nov 7, 2025
• Syria: Ends Nov 21, 2025 (under court challenge)
• Burma (Myanmar) and Ethiopia: Applications still open through late 2025

 For more multilingual resources and guidance, readers can visit the USA Hello Immigration Guide and CWS State of Play for advocacy tools, rights education, and translated information in nine languages.