As of January 1, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) implemented a new policy that affects many pending immigration benefit applications. Under this policy, USCIS officers are required to pause final decisions on certain cases while additional security and identity reviews are conducted.
This update has caused concern for many applicants, especially those who have been waiting months—or years—for a decision. Below, we break down what this policy means, who may be affected, and what steps applicants should take next.
What Is the USCIS “Adjudicative Hold”?
An adjudicative hold means USCIS may continue working on a case but cannot issue a final decision, such as an approval or denial, until the hold is lifted. Importantly, this does not mean the application has been denied or rejected.
USCIS has stated that these holds are being used to allow for enhanced screening and review before final adjudication.
Who May Be Affected?
This policy applies to individuals whose country of citizenship, nationality, or country of birth is listed under a recent Presidential Proclamation identifying additional countries of concern.
The policy applies regardless of when the applicant entered the United States and may also impact some cases that were previously approved and are now subject to re-review.
What Types of Applications Could Be Delayed?
While each case is reviewed individually, applications that may be affected include:
-
Green card applications
-
Family-based immigration petitions
-
Asylum-related benefits
-
Other discretionary immigration benefits
USCIS has emphasized that national security and public safety considerations are being prioritized during these reviews.
Are There Any Exceptions?
Yes. Certain applications are not subject to the adjudicative hold, including:
-
Form I-90 (Green Card replacement)
-
Form N-600 (Certificate of Citizenship)
-
Form N-565 (Replacement naturalization or citizenship documents)
-
Certain employment authorization applications
Some exceptions are country-specific, and additional review may still be required in certain situations.
What Should Applicants Do Now?
If your case is affected by this policy:
-
Do not assume your case has been denied
-
Expect possible delays in receiving a final decision
-
Avoid relying on rumors or social media speculation
-
Speak with an immigration attorney about your specific situation
Because this policy is complex and evolving, personalized legal guidance is critical.