Policy Update 12/2/25

Dec 5

Written By Mandesha Thornton

Sasha@iaje.us

Public Charge Update:

DHS has proposed to rescind the public charge rule created in 2022. By canceling the 2022 rules, DHS would gain more flexibility when evaluating applicants to determine public charge. DHS also claims this change would better support the idea that immigrants should be “self-reliant and that government benefits should not encourage immigration.” DHS is also proposing changes related to how public charge bonds are broken or canceled.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/19/2025-20278/public-charge-ground-of-inadmissibility

What is a public charge?

Explainer via ILRC: “‘Public charge’ is a ground of inadmissibility. Grounds of inadmissibility are reasons that a person could be denied a green card, visa, or admission into the United States. In deciding whether to grant some applicants a green card or a visa, an immigration officer must decide whether that person is likely to become dependent on certain government benefits in the future, which would make them a “public charge.” It is not a test that applies to everyone, not even to all those applying for green cards.”

NILC Resource for Advocates
What Community Should Know - English/Spanish

WH response to D.C. shooting

Following D.C. Shooting, the current Administration has announced a series of immediate immigration and vetting measures.

Suspension of Asylum Decisions

Source: USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow (via X).
Action: USCIS has paused all asylum decisions.

“USCIS has halted all asylum decisions until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible. The safety of the American people always comes first.”

Pause on Visa Issuance for Afghan Passport Holders

Source: U.S. Department of State (via X).
Action: Immediate halt to visa issuance for individuals traveling on Afghan passports. “The Department of State has IMMEDIATELY paused visa issuance for individuals traveling on Afghan passports. The Department is taking all necessary steps to protect U.S. national security and public safety.”

Reexamination of Green Cards for Individuals from “Countries of Concern”

Source: USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow (via X).
Action: A full, rigorous review of existing green cards issued to individuals from countries identified under the administration’s travel-ban or security-risk categories. “At the direction of @POTUS , I have directed a full scale, rigorous reexamination of every Green Card for every alien from every country of concern.”