Immigration Watch: Updates as of December 8, 2025

Immigration policy continues to shift rapidly as federal agencies tighten screening procedures, pause certain asylum applications, and face new legal challenges. This week’s Immigration Watch covers increased vetting of Afghan nationals, USCIS’s immediate hold on certain asylum and immigration benefit applications, and a multistate lawsuit challenging USDA SNAP restrictions for humanitarian immigrants.

Below is a breakdown of the latest developments and what they may mean for affected individuals and families.

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USCIS Tightens Vetting of Afghan Nationals

Following a National Guard shooting allegedly carried out by Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has announced new national security measures impacting Afghan nationals.

USCIS Director Joseph Edlow stated that the agency will pursue screening “to the maximum degree” and will apply “special consideration” to cases involving Afghan nationals. He also criticized prior screening procedures under the Biden administration and contrasted them with the Trump Administration’s current approach.

Background on Afghan Evacuations and Vetting

After the fall of Kabul in 2021, Operation Allies Refuge and Operation Allies Welcome brought Afghan nationals to the United States under two-year humanitarian parole. This status allowed individuals to live and work in the United States while pursuing more permanent immigration relief, including asylum.

According to U.S. officials, Lakanwal underwent vetting, had no criminal history identified, and was later granted asylum.

It is important to understand that Afghan evacuees were subject to multiple layers of screening:

• Biometric and biographic screening at U.S. military bases overseas
• Additional review at facilities such as Camp Bondsteel if concerns arose
• Further processing and temporary housing at U.S. military bases
• Resettlement coordination with federal agencies and local partners

Asylum applicants must also complete:

• Form I-589 (Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal)
• Biometrics collection
• Social media screening
• FBI background checks
• Detailed disclosures regarding criminal history and past affiliations
• An in-depth asylum interview

While further details of the case remain under review, USCIS has signaled a heightened national security focus moving forward.

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USCIS Issues Immediate Hold on Certain Asylum and Immigration Benefit Applications

Effective December 2, USCIS implemented a new policy directive placing an immediate hold on:

• All pending Form I-589 asylum applications
• Immigration benefit requests filed by individuals from nineteen countries identified as high-risk under a June 2025 Presidential Proclamation

In addition, USCIS will re-review previously approved immigration benefits for applicants from those countries who entered the United States on or after January 20, 2021.

What the New Policy Requires

Under the directive, USCIS may:

• Conduct additional interviews
• Schedule re-interviews
• Perform expanded national security and public safety reviews
• Reassess admissibility and eligibility factors

The agency cited recent cases, including those of Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi and Rahmanullah Lakanwal, as justification for the policy shift.

USCIS stated that reviews will focus on:

• Terrorist activity concerns
• Public safety risks
• Criminal history
• Health-related admissibility grounds

Within 90 days, the agency plans to finalize and prioritize cases for additional review.

The full USCIS policy memo and the June 2025 Presidential Proclamation provide further details regarding the affected countries and implementation framework.

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21 States Sue USDA Over SNAP Restrictions for Humanitarian Immigrants

A coalition of 20 state attorneys general and Washington, D.C. has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture over new guidance restricting SNAP food assistance for certain humanitarian immigrants.

Who Is Affected by the SNAP Policy Change

In July, USDA updated its policy to block access to SNAP benefits for:

• Refugees
• Asylum recipients
• Humanitarian parolees
• Individuals granted withholding of removal

On October 31, the USDA expanded the restrictions to permanently exclude these groups, even after they obtain lawful permanent resident status.

Legal Arguments Raised by the States

The states argue that:

• The policy was issued without adequate notice
• Vulnerable families are losing access to food benefits
• States may face financial penalties if they fail to comply
• Residents had benefits terminated without warning

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown publicly criticized the policy rollback and its impact on affected residents.

Questions remain regarding:

• Whether eligibility could be restored after naturalization
• Whether a five-year waiting period will apply after obtaining lawful permanent residence
• How the USDA will implement enforcement

The USDA has reportedly walked back an earlier claim that a five-year waiting period would automatically apply.

States Participating in the Lawsuit

The lawsuit was filed by the attorneys general of:

New York, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C.

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Conclusion: Monitoring Rapid Immigration Policy Changes

From enhanced vetting of Afghan nationals to a nationwide asylum hold and SNAP eligibility litigation, federal immigration and public benefits policy continues to evolve at a rapid pace.

These developments could significantly impact asylum seekers, humanitarian immigrants, lawful permanent residents, and families relying on federal assistance programs.

I will continue closely tracking these changes and providing updates to help you navigate an increasingly complex immigration landscape.

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If you have questions about how these policy changes may affect you or your organization, contact our office for guidance tailored to your situation. To read more about what I’ve written about today and more, you can subscribe to my bi-weekly LinkedIn newsletter, Immigration Watch.