Mass. Coalition Sues USCIS: What It Means for Green Card Applicants
A Massachusetts group is taking USCIS to federal court — and the outcome could change how the agency processes green cards, work permits, and asylum claims across the country. For immigrants already waiting on applications, a court ruling could mean delays, policy shifts, or even stopped approvals. Here is what you need to know right now.
A New Lawsuit Challenges USCIS — and It Could Affect Your Case
The Massachusetts Coalition for Immigration Reform has filed a lawsuit against U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the federal agency that processes green card applications, work permits, and asylum claims. The case, known as Massachusetts Coalition for Immigration Reform v. USCIS, puts a spotlight on how the agency handles immigration benefits — and who gets access to them. For anyone currently waiting on a green card application, a work permit (called an EAD, or Employment Authorization Document), or an asylum application, this lawsuit is worth watching closely.
The coalition argues that USCIS policies have harmed U.S. workers and communities by expanding access to immigration benefits in ways they say go beyond what the law allows. Cases like this can lead to court orders that pause or change how USCIS processes applications. That means people in the middle of a green card process, naturalization process, or even a DACA renewal in 2026 could feel the effects if the court rules in the coalition's favor.
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Immigration courts and federal judges have the power to issue injunctions — court orders that stop a government agency from doing something. If a judge sides with the coalition, USCIS could be forced to change or slow down how it approves certain immigration benefits. On the other hand, if USCIS wins, current policies stay in place. Either way, the outcome of this case could shape immigration news today and for months to come, especially for asylum seekers in the USA and people in removal proceedings.
What to do
- Check your case status now. Log in to your USCIS online account or call 1-800-375-5283 to confirm your application is still moving forward. Do not assume no news is good news.
- Do not miss deadlines. If you have an immigration court hearing, a DACA renewal deadline, or a TPS (Temporary Protected Status) re-registration window, meet it — even while this lawsuit is ongoing. Courts rarely excuse missed deadlines because of unrelated litigation.
- Talk to an immigration lawyer. If your green card application, asylum application process, or work permit is pending, a lawyer can tell you whether this case could affect your specific situation. Many nonprofit legal organizations offer free or low-cost consultations.
- Save all your documents. Keep copies of every notice, receipt, and approval you have received from USCIS. If policies change, you may need to prove what you filed and when.
Related: our step-by-step guide — “Appealing to the BIA”.
Fishkin Law Firm, New York
When a federal lawsuit targets USCIS processing policies, pending applicants have a real interest in monitoring the case docket for any injunctions — a court order freezing agency action could pause approvals or create new requirements with little warning. If you are in removal proceedings or have a case pending before USCIS, document every filing date and receipt notice carefully, because those timestamps may matter if policies shift mid-process. I strongly recommend consulting an immigration attorney now rather than waiting to see how the case resolves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this lawsuit stop my green card application from being processed?
Not automatically. Right now, USCIS continues to process applications as normal. A court would have to issue a specific order — called an injunction — to pause or change processing. Check your case status regularly and talk to a lawyer if you are concerned.
Does this case affect asylum seekers in the USA?
It could. The lawsuit challenges how USCIS grants immigration benefits broadly, which may include asylum-related work permits and other benefits. The asylum application process itself runs through both USCIS and immigration courts, so the impact depends on what the court decides. Stay informed and consult a lawyer.
I am in removal proceedings. Should I be worried about this lawsuit?
Being in removal proceedings (the formal legal process where the government tries to deport someone) is already serious. This lawsuit adds uncertainty to the broader immigration system. You should have a lawyer representing you in immigration court regardless of this case. If you do not have one, contact a nonprofit immigration legal services organization in your area.
How much does it cost to apply for asylum while this case is ongoing?
Filing Form I-589 (the application for asylum) costs $0 USD. The asylum application fee has been free since April 1, 2024, and remains free in 2026. Do not let fear about this lawsuit stop you from filing if you need protection.