We have continued to see changes to the immigration landscape since the last newsletter in February. Last year, the U.S. government imposed an annual filing fee for asylum applications, but it was soon challenged in the courts and paused for several months. The fee has now been reinstated, and the government says that, beginning on May 29, 2026, it can reject pending asylum applications if the applicant's Annual Asylum Fee is not paid on time. People with asylum cases pending for more than one year must now pay a new annual fee to keep their applications pending. An Annual Asylum Fee of $102 will be required annually for each pending asylum application by the application anniversary date going forward.

There is other upsetting news to share regarding regulatory changes proposed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These proposed rules would stop the issuance of work permits for asylum seekers until the average processing time for asylum applications drops to 180 days or less. They would also extend the time before an asylum seeker is eligible to receive work authorization after submitting their asylum application from 180 days to 365 days. These changes have been proposed, but have not been finalized at this time. As of now, employment authorization applications can still be submitted 150 days after an asylum application is filed.

Fortunately, we also have some good news to share. CASP has hired a new case manager, Julie Morse. Julie is a fluent Spanish speaker with experience assisting with pro se immigration applications, crisis management, and journalism. She began her position at CASP in March and is off to a great start. Julie can be reached at 802-212-1690 or at casemanagement@caspvt.org.

The Community Immigration Lawyering Initiative has successfully launched. CASP is partnering with the Vermont Asylum Assistance Program (VAAP) and the Vermont Legal Aid Initiative to expand access to immigration legal assistance in Southern Vermont.

In addition to continuing to support 25 asylum-seeker clients from last year, we have welcomed four new clients so far in 2026. They include a mother and two young children from Mexico who were living in another part of Vermont and have a relative in Southern Vermont, as well as a young man from Tajikistan who arrived on a student visa in another state. He has recently applied for asylum and is relocating to Vermont.

CASP is only able to do this important work with your support. We would like to thank all of the artists and sponsors who participated in the CASP April Arts Marathon. The fundraiser brought in over $35,000! This type of community support ensures that our vital services supporting asylum seekers continue—and grow—as we welcome new clients to Southern Vermont.

With appreciation,

Sharon Hall-Smith
CASP Executive Director