The Latest: Immigration applications from 19 countries paused by Trump administration

The U.S. government has temporarily halted all immigration applications, including green card requests, for individuals from 19 countries previously restricted from travel earlier this year. This measure is part of broader immigration reforms following the fatal shooting of two National Guard members.

The policy, detailed in a memo released Tuesday on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website, affects a range of immigration procedures, including green card approvals and naturalizations, for people from these high-risk nations. According to the memo, the decision to resume processing will be made by USCIS Director Joseph Edlow.

Earlier in June, the administration prohibited travel to the United States for citizens of 12 countries and imposed restrictions on seven more, citing concerns over national security.

Separately, a group critical of Trump has launched an online ad campaign highlighting the case of Army veteran George Retes, who was detained by immigration agents for three days during the summer. The advertisement by Home of the Brave depicts Retes describing an encounter with immigration officers while on his way to work near Los Angeles. Authorities stated that agents were serving criminal search warrants related to local marijuana operations and claimed that Retes resisted law enforcement efforts.

The campaign targets audiences who recently viewed ads from the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement on streaming platforms.

Author: Grace Ellison