Trump halts processing of immigration applications from 19 countries

Dec. 3 (UPI) -- The Trump administration declared on Tuesday a temporary suspension of immigration processing for citizens of 19 countries and announced a review of immigration and asylum cases approved under the Biden administration. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a four-page memo detailing the pause and reassessment of all pending asylum applications and other immigration benefits filed by individuals from the designated high-risk countries.

The memo explained that "USCIS has determined it is operationally necessary to confirm that all asylum seekers and immigrants from high-risk countries entering the U.S. do not present a threat to national security or public safety."

Those affected by the halt were already subject to some form of entry restriction. In June, Trump had issued a presidential proclamation fully barring nationals from 12 countries and partially limiting entry from seven others.

The administrations immigration crackdown intensified following last weeks shooting in Washington, D.C., which resulted in the death of a National Guard member and critical injuries to another. Authorities identified the alleged shooter as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, an Afghan national previously working with the CIA on tracking high-value Taliban targets. He entered the United States during the final stage of the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The Trump administration has attributed the need for stricter immigration measures to policies enacted under the Biden administration, citing crimes allegedly committed by migrants who arrived during Bidens presidency. The memo referenced cases such as Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, an Afghan national who pleaded guilty in June to planning an attack on Election Day 2024, alongside Lakanwal, as reasons to justify the review of previously admitted immigrants.

Although Lakanwal entered during the Biden administrations withdrawal period, he reportedly received asylum in April under Trumps administration. The memo stated, "Given identified threats to the American public, USCIS finds it necessary to conduct a thorough re-evaluation, including potential interviews, of all immigrants from high-risk countries admitted on or after January 20, 2021."

On Monday, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem met with Trump and advised a comprehensive travel ban on nations deemed to pose risks to national security. Following last weeks D.C. shooting, Trump had also called for a pause in migration from various low- and middle-income countries.

USCIS emphasized its commitment to protecting public safety and national security, stating in a social media post that "nothing is off the table until every immigrant is thoroughly vetted and screened."

The policy shift is expected to provoke criticism from immigrant advocacy groups and may face legal challenges. Murad Awawdeh, president and CEO of the New York Immigration Coalition, commented that the administrations actions seem designed to push immigrants toward deportation. "Many affected individuals have already undergone extensive vetting and arrived in the U.S. seeking safety, stability, and a chance to rebuild their lives," Awawdeh said. "Removing these protections disrupts families and communities, creating fear and uncertainty while destabilizing established neighborhoods."

Author: Sophia Brooks