Last update January 24, 2025
ASAP Members: On January 20, 2025, the United States government changed many immigration laws. But many immigration laws also remained the same. Here are some answers to questions we have received from members. No matter what happens, we are proud to support your effort to seek asylum in the United States.
Is it still possible to apply for asylum in the United States?
Yes, many people can still apply for asylum:
- If you are currently in the United States and have not submitted an asylum application, you can still submit an application. if you are eligible.
- If you are currently in the United States with a pending asylum application, your application is still valid.
- However, the US government announced that people can no longer apply for asylum at the US-Mexico border. The government also ended the CBP One app, canceling appointments for thousands of people who were waiting at the border.
Can I continue to work legally in the United States?
Yes – if you have a work permit based on a pending asylum application, your work permit also remains valid.
Did the government try to change birthright citizenship?
Yes. The government issued an Executive Order seeking to end birthright citizenship for many children of immigrants effective February 19, 2025. In response, ASAP filed a lawsuitarguing that the government’s plans are illegal. You can read more here about which children could be affected and how ASAP members are fighting a lawsuit.
What can I do to be safer if there are raids?
The United States government has announced that there will be immigration raids. We do not know what will happen or how this will affect asylum seekers. but here there is 6 security measures that asylum seekers can take to protect themselves and their families in the United States.
Have any other laws affecting asylum seekers changed?
Yes. This page is not intended to be a complete list of the changes that happened on January 20, 2025. It may take some time to understand what some of these changes will look like in practice. The ASAP team will continue to work as quickly as possible to understand these changes and keep our online resources up to date. As always, you can access all our immigration resources here.
We will also provide monthly news to members about changes in immigration law, including new Executive Orders. If you know someone who is not an ASAP member who would like to receive this news, please tell them they can register for free ASAP membership here.
Note: This information from the Asylum Seeker Support Project (or ASAP) is not a substitute for legal advice from an attorney.
