Trump administration to lift ban on asylum case reviews?

The administration of US President Donald Trump is set to lift its ban on reviewing asylum applications from foreign nationals. The restriction was introduced in November 2025 following the shooting of two National Guard personnel by an Afghan migrant.

According to CBS News, citing sources within the US Department of Homeland Security, the ban will remain in place only for citizens of 39 countries—mostly in Africa—as well as Afghanistan, Iran, Laos, Cuba, Haiti, and Venezuela.

"This move allows resources to focus on continued rigorous national security and public safety vetting for higher-risk cases," DHS said, adding that the administration's "maximum screening and vetting for ALL aliens continues unabated."

Earlier in March, Donald Trump dismissed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. She will be replaced on March 31 by Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin.

Noem faced criticism after claiming the president had approved a $200 million advertising campaign encouraging voluntary deportation—something Trump reportedly denied in private, according to Bloomberg.