Recent U.S. Policy Changes: Answers to Newcomer’s Questions

Summary

The Settle In webinar reviewed recent U.S. immigration and benefits policy changes affecting newcomers. The speakers emphasized that rules can change quickly, individual cases differ, and the presentation is general information—not legal advice.

Refugee Admissions

The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program remains suspended under a January 2025 order, although a limited number of refugees may enter. The webinar said the 2026 admissions level was initially set at 7,500, increased to 17,500 to admit additional Afrikaners from South Africa, and then, on September 25, 2026, the president authorized 17,500 additional admissions over the following 12 months, primarily for Afrikaners.

People with pending cases should keep their contact details current and seek updates from their Resettlement Support Center or UNHCR.

Afghan Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs)

The deadline to apply for Chief of Mission approval—the first step in the SIV process—was December 31, 2025. That approval alone does not provide a visa or permission to travel.

Some Afghans already in the United States may still pursue permanent residence through SIV adjustment, subject to visa availability. The webinar said Afghan nationals outside the U.S. face restrictions on immigrant visas, including SIVs and family-based visas.

Family Reunification

Refugees and asylees with principal status may generally file Form I-730 for a qualifying spouse or unmarried child, subject to eligibility and filing deadlines. However, most beneficiaries have not been permitted to travel to the U.S. since entry suspensions took effect.

A federal judge ruled in June 2026 that a 2025 travel ban did not apply to asylee I-730 beneficiaries. A small number have since received travel authorization, but most refugee cases remain suspended.

Separate immigrant-visa petitions may be available to relatives of refugees or asylees who become permanent residents or citizens, though the webinar noted restrictions affecting nationals of 39 countries.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

TPS for Afghanistan ended in July 2025, and TPS for Haiti ended in July 2026. Ukraine’s designation was automatically extended through April 19, 2027, because DHS did not make a decision by the stated deadline, though USCIS’s website had not yet reflected the extension.

The speakers urged people to check current official information and seek legal advice because the end of TPS can affect the ability to stay and work.

Work Permits

For certain applications filed or pending from December 5, 2025, USCIS shortened the maximum validity of some employment authorization documents (EADs): up to 18 months for several categories, and up to one year—or until TPS or parole ends—for TPS- or parole-based EADs. Automatic extensions for most renewal applications filed on or after October 30, 2025, were also ended.

Refugees and asylees are authorized to work through their status, but renewing an EAD may help avoid documentation problems, including where state ID validity is tied to the EAD.

Refugee Green-Card Interviews and Review

USCIS is requiring refugees applying for permanent residence to attend interviews and has said it will review their original refugee applications. The webinar said refugee status could be revoked if USCIS finds a person was not eligible, potentially leading to removal proceedings.

A related policy to detain refugees who did not apply for a green card after one year was found unlawful by federal courts and ended. Refugees were advised to monitor notices, keep their address current, and seek legal help.

International Travel

Refugees and asylees generally need a refugee travel document to return to the U.S. The speakers warned that renewing a home-country passport or returning to a country where someone claimed persecution could raise questions about their protection claim.

They said this risk may also apply to people who later became green-card holders, including SIV holders, if the government reviews prior statements.

Refugee Cash and Medical Assistance

Effective October 1, 2026, the eligibility period for refugee cash assistance and refugee medical assistance increased from eight to 12 months. The change generally applies to people with an ORR eligibility date on or after January 1, 2026.

The extension is not automatic in every case and is separate from Medicaid; beneficiaries should contact their state or local agency.

Medicaid and CHIP

New federal funding rules beginning October 1, 2026, may end federally funded coverage for some noncitizens unless they qualify under another category or have access to state-funded coverage. The speakers said some groups remain eligible, and emergency Medicaid and certain state programs may continue.

They advised people not to cancel coverage themselves, but to respond to notices and check all possible eligibility routes.

Naturalization Test

Applicants whose N-400 was received before October 20, 2025, take the 2008 civics test: up to 10 questions from a list of 100, with six correct answers required. Applicants whose forms were received on or after that date take the 2025 test: up to 20 questions from a list of 128, with 12 correct answers required.

The test is oral, and some applicants may qualify for modifications, a test in their language, or a disability waiver.

Practical Steps

The speakers recommended that people:

• Confirm their immigration status and pending applications.
• Keep copies of identity documents, notices, court papers, and applications.
• Update addresses with USCIS and immigration court.
• Check mail and online accounts.
• Prepare an emergency plan.
• Know their basic rights and avoid signing documents they do not understand.
• Use only licensed attorneys or DOJ-accredited representatives for immigration legal advice.

Presenters and Contributors

• Maria Jose Jaramillo, Settle In digital community liaison
• Catherine “Kitty” Picker, senior technical adviser with the International Rescue Committee’s U.S. Legal Services team