U.S. Halts Immigration Applications for Nationals from 19 Countries

The Trump administration has officially halted all immigration applications for nationals from 19 countries, as reported by multiple sources. This significant policy change affects those seeking green cards and U.S. citizenship from nations that were already facing travel restrictions.

According to NBC News, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS, provided this directive in a memo, which emphasized the need for thorough vetting and screening of applicants to ensure national security.

The memo acknowledged that this pause may lead to delays in processing pending applications, but deemed it necessary for the protection of the American public. The countries affected by this immigration halt include Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, among others, making this a sweeping action affecting a substantial number of individuals seeking asylum or residency in the U.S.

The New York Times highlighted that this decision follows the tragic shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., where the suspected shooter, an Afghan national granted asylum, was involved.

USCIS Director Joseph Edlow stated in a Newsmax interview that he does not believe Afghan nationals who entered the U.S. were adequately vetted after the withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021. The pause applies to various immigration processes, including green card applications and citizenship requests, indicating a broader crackdown on legal immigration pathways.

CBS News confirmed that the internal guidance from USCIS directed employees to stop final adjudications on all cases involving individuals from these high-risk nations, which also include countries like Chad, Eritrea, and Venezuela.

The halt also affects citizenship ceremonies for legal permanent residents from these countries, which has led to confusion among immigration lawyers and applicants alike, as many were turned away from their appointments without clear explanations.

Additionally, The Hill reported that the USCIS is conducting a comprehensive review of all pending asylum applications and benefit requests from these nationals, emphasizing a thorough re-review process for individuals who entered the U.S. after January 20, 2021.

This pause has been characterized as a response to heightened scrutiny following the recent attack, with officials citing it as a necessary measure to prioritize national security. Critics argue that this policy equates to collective punishment for migrants from the affected countries, further complicating their paths to safety and stability in the U.S.

USCIS has stated that the hold will remain in place until further notice from the USCIS director, underscoring the administration's commitment to re-evaluating immigration policies in light of national security concerns.

As the situation develops, many are left uncertain about their immigration status, while the administration continues to assert that these measures are in the best interest of U.S. national security.