USCIS Anti-Fraud Unit Pulled From Asylum Work
Every officer inside USCIS's main anti-fraud unit has been reassigned away from asylum work, according to internal correspondence obtained by the Guardian. The unit — responsible for catching fraud in asylum and other immigration applications — is now focused entirely on screening South African refugees and alleged unlawful voters. For the hundreds of thousands of people waiting on asylum decisions in the US, the consequences could be significant.
Every immigration officer inside USCIS's anti-fraud unit has been pulled from asylum work and reassigned to two new priorities: screening South African refugees and hunting for alleged unlawful voters. The reassignment, confirmed by internal correspondence obtained by the Guardian, leaves the agency unable to provide officers for asylum officer training "for the near future."
What the FDNS does — and why this matters for asylum seekers
The Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (FDNS) is the USCIS unit that checks immigration benefit applications — including asylum claims — for fraud and national security red flags. Its officers work alongside asylum officers, flag suspicious cases, and refer matters to law enforcement. Without them, asylum officer training has stopped. Whether routine screening of pending asylum applications has also slowed or stopped is not yet confirmed; the internal message obtained by the Guardian does not address that question directly.
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The South African refugee priority reflects the Trump administration's push to admit Afrikaners, whom US officials describe as victims of racial discrimination and "white genocide" — a claim the South African government has rejected as unfounded. State Department data shows that of 10,258 refugees admitted to the US between October 1, 2025 and July 31, 2026, fully 10,255 came from South Africa. The remaining three were Afghans admitted in November.
The voter-screening priority is tied to a broader administration effort to identify noncitizens who allegedly registered or voted in US elections. A February 2026 review by the Center for Election Innovation and Research found roughly 35 confirmed cases of noncitizen voting in the 2024 general election, out of about 154 million votes cast. USCIS has already moved to bar naturalization for green card holders who voted or registered to vote, and to pursue deportation proceedings against them.
What to do
- If you have a pending asylum application, contact your immigration lawyer now to check whether your case has been scheduled for an interview or is sitting in a backlog — delays may grow.
- If you are a green card holder and have ever registered to vote or voted in any US election, speak with an immigration attorney before your next interaction with USCIS. USCIS is actively pursuing deportation in these cases.
- Do not miss any USCIS notices or requests for evidence (RFE). Respond by the deadline on the notice, even if the agency appears slow on its end.
- Check the USCIS website and your attorney's updates regularly — the scope of FDNS reassignments may expand.
A full breakdown of this topic — in our guide “How to Apply for Asylum”.
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The FDNS reassignment creates real procedural uncertainty for pending asylum applicants. If your case was awaiting an FDNS fraud check before an interview could be scheduled, that step may now be indefinitely delayed — but USCIS can also deny a case for abandonment if you miss a notice, so never ignore agency mail. Green card holders flagged in the voter-screening initiative have the right to a removal hearing before an immigration judge; do not sign any voluntary departure documents without speaking to an attorney first. Given how fast this situation is moving, consult an immigration lawyer before your next USCIS appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my asylum application be denied because FDNS officers were reassigned?
Not automatically. The internal message confirms that asylum officer training has stopped, but it does not confirm that routine screening of pending cases has stopped. Your application remains on file. However, delays are likely. Stay in contact with your attorney and respond to any USCIS notices immediately.
I am a green card holder and I registered to vote years ago. Am I at risk?
Yes, there is a real risk. USCIS has already moved to bar naturalization for green card holders who registered or voted, and to start deportation proceedings. The voter-screening initiative is now a stated USCIS priority. Speak with an immigration attorney before your next interaction with any government agency.
What is FDNS and why does it matter for my asylum case?
FDNS stands for Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate. It is the USCIS unit that reviews asylum and other immigration applications for fraud and security concerns. Its officers work with asylum officers to flag problems. Without FDNS involvement, some cases may stall at the review stage.
Is the US still accepting any refugees other than South Africans?
Based on State Department data covering October 1, 2025 through July 31, 2026, the US admitted 10,258 refugees total. Of those, 10,255 were from South Africa. Only three refugees from other countries — all Afghans admitted in November — were admitted during that period.