Trump administration suspends immigration applications for migrants from 19 countries affected by travel ban

WASHINGTON The Trump administration has temporarily halted all immigration applications, including green card requests, from individuals originating in 19 countries previously subject to travel restrictions. This move follows a broader set of immigration measures prompted by the recent shooting of two National Guard personnel.

The policy, outlined in a memo released Tuesday on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website, affects the processing of green cards, naturalizations, and other immigration-related decisions for nationals of the identified high-risk nations. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow will determine when the suspension will end.

Earlier this year, the administration imposed travel bans on 12 countries and restricted access for citizens of seven additional nations, citing national security concerns. The bans impacted citizens from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Limited restrictions applied to people from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. Initially, the restrictions did not apply to immigrants already in the U.S.

However, under the new USCIS directive, individuals from these countries currently in the U.S. will face increased scrutiny. The agency plans to review all approved immigration benefits for those who entered during the Biden administration. The pause and re-evaluation were partly motivated by the shooting of two National Guard members near the White House by a suspect from Afghanistan, resulting in one death and one injury.

Due to identified threats, USCIS has determined that a thorough re-examination, potential interviews, and re-interviews of all immigrants from high-risk nations who entered the U.S. on or after January 20, 2021, is necessary, the agency stated.

The memo further explains that USCIS will compile a prioritized list of cases within 90 days for review and, if necessary, referral to immigration enforcement or other authorities. The directive expands on prior statements, including a recent pause on asylum decisions and a halt to visas for Afghans who assisted U.S. operations.

Critics argue that these measures represent collective punishment for immigrants and have raised concerns over fairness and due process.

Author: Sophia Brooks