Donald Trump has decided to halt immigration applications from 19 countries, with the possibility of expanding the freeze to more nations. This action includes a pause on green card and citizenship processes for individuals from these countries, which were originally part of a travel ban imposed by Trump in June. The administration cites concerns about terrorism threats and national security as reasons for this move, hinting that additional countries might be added to the list.
A memo from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services confirms the suspension of green card and citizenship applications from the affected nations, along with a halt on benefit requests. The countries newly included in the travel ban as of June 4 are Afghanistan, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Additionally, restricted access was imposed on individuals from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
The USCIS memo stated the need for a thorough re-evaluation, potential interviews, and re-interviews for all individuals from high-risk countries who entered the US after January 20, 2021. The agency justifies the processing delays as necessary to fulfill its duty of safeguarding national security.
Reports indicate that the immigration ban has already affected citizenship ceremonies and status interviews, with potential plans to expand the list to over 30 countries. The USCIS emphasizes that citizenship is a privilege that must be earned.
This development follows Trump’s decision to halt all asylum decisions after two National Guard soldiers were shot in Washington DC by an Afghan national granted asylum earlier this year. USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow emphasized the importance of stringent vetting processes for asylum seekers to prioritize the safety of American citizens.