US halts citizenship ceremonies for migrants from countries affected by travel ban

The United States has temporarily stopped handling immigration applications from 19 nations currently affected by travel restrictions, according to an internal memo obtained by CBS News. Immigration officials have been instructed to halt final decisions on all pending cases and postpone citizenship ceremonies for applicants nearing naturalisation.

This development follows reports that former President Donald Trump is considering widening a June executive order that initially restricted travel from 19 countries to now include 30 nations. The decision comes amid heightened security concerns after a recent shooting in Washington, DC, which resulted in the death of a National Guard member and left another critically injured. The suspect involved is an Afghan national residing in the US.

On June 4, the White House specified 19 countries, mainly from Africa, the Middle East, and the Caribbean, as subject to either full or partial immigration limits. The guidance issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) also included a suspension of all asylum rulings and a review of green card approvals for migrants from these nations.

The memo clarifies the scope of the pause: "This hold includes all form types and making any final decisions (approvals, denials) as well as completing any oath ceremonies." USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser confirmed the temporary suspension to the New York Times, stating, "The administration is making every effort to ensure individuals becoming citizens are the best of the best. Citizenship is a privilege, not a right."

Immigration attorneys report that citizenship hearings have been cancelled this week for applicants from countries such as Venezuela, Iran, and Afghanistan. The naturalisation ceremony marks the final stage of a multi-year application process, often including a gathering of new citizens waving small American flags while reciting the oath of allegiance.

The White Houses latest actions occur as Trump increasingly attributes social issues in the US to migrants and refugees. This move intensifies the administrations crackdown on immigration following the fatal shooting of National Guard members Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, in the nation's capital. The Afghan suspect had arrived in the US under a special program for those who assisted US forces prior to the Talibans return to power.

Author: Sophia Brooks