In a significant policy shift, the United States has suspended the processing of all immigration applications, including those for permanent residency or green cards, for individuals from 19 countries covered under an expanded travel ban. This sweeping move, announced on Tuesday, effectively freezes access to key immigration benefits for applicants from these nations.
What Prompted the Sudden Freeze?
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) detailed this directive in a new policy memo. The agency linked the decision directly to a shooting incident during Thanksgiving week near the White House. In that event, an Afghan national is accused of killing one National Guard soldier and wounding another. Citing this incident, USCIS stated that a comprehensive re-review of all applicants from "high-risk countries of concern" who entered the US on or after January 20, 2021, is now necessary.
The agency's statement, as reported by the Associated Press, emphasized the perceived threat, saying, "In light of identified concerns and the threat to the American people... potential interview, and re-interview... is necessary." Furthermore, USCIS will conduct a full review of all previously approved benefit requests for immigrants who arrived during the Biden administration.
Which Countries Are Affected by the Ban?
The policy stems from an expanded travel ban instituted in June. That original order barred citizens of 12 countries from entering the US and imposed limited access on individuals from seven others, all citing national security concerns.
The countries facing a full entry ban are: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
The restricted-access list includes: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
While the June order did not affect immigrants already living in the US, the latest USCIS memo signals a major escalation. It now subjects individuals from these nations, regardless of their arrival date, to additional scrutiny. The memo clearly states that the hold includes "all form types and making any final decisions (approvals, denials) as well as completing any oath ceremonies."
Immediate Consequences and Broader Context
The impact is already being felt on the ground. Immigration lawyers have informed ABC News that several clients from countries like Venezuela, Iran, and Afghanistan have had their scheduled citizenship hearings abruptly cancelled this week.
This is particularly disruptive for those at the final stage of the naturalisation process. These ceremonies, which typically involve taking the oath of allegiance and waving American flags after up to five years of processing, are now on hold for many.
This freeze on green card and citizenship processing is part of a broader set of immigration changes. Last week, USCIS also paused all asylum decisions, and the State Department halted visa processing for Afghans who assisted the US war effort. These measures align with President Trump's increasing portrayal of migrants and refugees as a source of national "social dysfunction," a viewpoint highlighted by the BBC.
The combined actions represent a substantial tightening of the US immigration system, directly impacting thousands of applicants from the listed countries and marking a continued focus on security-based restrictions.
