Refugee and Political Asylum News

Refugee, Asylum, and International Operations Directorate

What does Refugee, Asylum and International Operations (RAIO) do?

They are responsible for:

  • Conducting protection screenings;
  • Adjudicating asylum and refugee applications; and
  • Adjudicating other immigration benefits both domestically and internationally.

RAIO is vigilant about fraud detection and national security, relying on careful vetting, innovative screening mechanisms, and sound adjudication.

USCIS Issues New Instructions for Filing Asylum Applications with USCIS After EOIR Dismissal or Termination of Removal Proceedings

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing new instructions for asylum applications submitted by individuals whose removal proceedings were dismissed or terminated by the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).

Affirmative Asylum Applicants Must Provide Interpreters Starting Sept. 13

Release Date 

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reminds affirmative asylum applicants that, starting Sept. 13, 2023, you must bring an interpreter to your asylum interview if you are not fluent in English or wish to proceed with your interview in a language other than English.

USCIS Announces Online Filing for Affirmative Asylum Applications

Release Date 

WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today that Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, is available to file online for certain affirmative asylum applicants. USCIS continues to accept the latest paper version of this form by mail.

DHS Publishes Final Rule to Restore Asylum Regulations Consistent with Asylumworks Vacatur

Release Date 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced publication of a final rule consistent with the vacatur of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in  Asylumworks et al. v. Mayorkas et al. This final rule is effective starting Feb. 7, 2022.