Trump admin says it is lifting holds on reviewing asylum applications from non high-risk countries

The United States' Citizenship and Immigration Services said Monday it has resumed reviewing asylum applications from migrants who have been vetted through Operation PARRIS and migrants who are from countries not considered high-risk. 

The lift does not impact asylum seekers from 39 countries the Trump administration determined lacked adequate screening measures and under Trump's travel ban, who make up the bulk of the 1.5 million applicants, according to The Hill. 

USCIS said it has implemented multiple changes to its screening and vetting processes in recent months, including shortening the validity periods for certain employment authorization documents to require more frequent security checks, updating tools to confirm applicants' identities and boosting its social media reviews, financial vetting and community interviews.

"Since taking office, President Trump has prioritized national security and public safety by implementing a series of executive orders and proclamations that mandate strict screening and vetting of foreign nationals seeking entry or immigration benefits," the agency said in a news release. 

The agency said it has also resumed reviewing certain petitions filed by U.S. citizens, intercountry adoption forms, certain rescheduled oath ceremonies, statutory and regulatory decision issuance, refugee registrations for South Africans, certain special immigrant visa petitions and certain employment authorization documents. 

"These actions reflect the Trump administration’s commitment to making America safe again," the agency said. "USCIS will remain vigilant and proactive in protecting the United States from foreign terrorists, criminal aliens, those who commit fraud, and other threats. We are dedicated to maintaining the integrity of America’s immigration system and keeping the public informed about our progress."

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.