New Asylum Rule Allows USCIS to Refer Some Cases to Immigration Court Without an Interview: What Applicants Should Know

A major change has been announced in the affirmative asylum process. On July 28, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security published an interim final rule titled “Affirmative Asylum Referrals Without Interview.” The rule became effective immediately and allows USCIS asylum officers, in certain cases, to refer affirmative asylum applications directly to immigration court without first […]