Trump suspends immigration applications from 19 countries following DC National Guard shooting

The Trump administration has announced a temporary suspension of all immigration applications from 19 countries previously under U.S. travel restrictions, in response to the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C.

A memorandum issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on Tuesday states that all individuals from these high-risk nations who entered the U.S. on or after January 20, 2021, will undergo a comprehensive re-review, potential interview, and re-interview.

The memo explains: USCIS must place an adjudicative hold on all pending asylum applications, regardless of nationality, and on pending benefit requests from applicants from high-risk countries. This may delay the processing of some cases, but it is essential to ensure that all applicants are thoroughly vetted.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national charged with murder for the Thanksgiving Eve shooting, legally entered the U.S. under the Biden administration and received asylum under Trumps presidency. The attack resulted in the death of West Virginia service member Sarah Beckstrom, while Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in serious condition.

The freeze affects applicants seeking green cards, citizenship, or other immigration benefits from countries previously deemed high-risk by the Trump administration, including Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Nationals from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuelapartially banned earlierare also impacted.

Matthew Tragesser, a USCIS spokesperson, emphasized: We are committed to ensuring that individuals becoming citizens meet the highest standards. Citizenship is a privilege, and we cannot take risks with national security.

The action follows Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noems call for a broad new travel restriction on nations she claimed were contributing to crime and illegal immigration. More than 1 million people are currently awaiting asylum decisions, with over 786,000 pending beyond 180 days, according to a 2024 DHS report.

Immigration attorneys have reported that scheduled interviews have been canceled without explanation, raising concerns about the additional strain on an already backlogged system. Everything is being put on hold. The delays will only continue to grow, said Texas immigration lawyer Ana Maria Schwartz.

Author: Aiden Foster