USCIS Opens New Asylum Offices in Atlanta and San Antonio to Process Claims

In recent immigration news 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the opening of two new asylum offices to help process affirmative asylum applications. The Atlanta Asylum Office will begin conducting interviews on July 8, 2026, operating across three locations. Additionally, an asylum office in San Antonio, Texas, opened its doors earlier this summer. Beginning May 28, 2026, individuals who filed for asylum and reside within the jurisdiction of the Houston Asylum Office may now be interviewed in either Houston or San Antonio. These new offices are a critical step in addressing the significant backlog of affirmative asylum cases. By expanding its physical footprint and interview capacity, USCIS aims to process claims more efficiently and reduce the wait times for vulnerable individuals seeking protection in the United States. This expansion is part of broader policy changes intended to streamline the asylum system. Applicants should continue to file asylum applications on time and avoid missing notices, as any rescheduling can delay protection. For asylum seekers living in the Southeast and Texas, these new offices mean that your interview may be scheduled sooner and closer to home. It is important to keep your address updated with USCIS to ensure you receive your interview notice promptly. Preparing for your asylum interview with a qualified attorney remains the most important step in securing your safety and future in the U.S. Applicants should continue to file asylum applications on time and avoid missing notices, as any rescheduling can delay protection.