Overview
- An internal USCIS memo halted processing of green card and naturalization applications from nationals of 19 countries already under full or partial restrictions, including Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Haiti, Venezuela, Cuba and others.
- USCIS also paused all asylum decisions and ordered a comprehensive re-review of approved benefits for people from those countries who entered on or after Jan. 20, 2021, with possible interviews and law-enforcement referrals.
- The State Department has stopped issuing visas to applicants using Afghan passports, including Special Immigrant Visas, as agencies reassess screening.
- Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem urged President Trump to impose a sweeping new travel ban, and DHS said new additions will be announced soon, while multiple officials told CBS News the list could expand to roughly 30 countries.
- The policy shift follows the fatal shooting of a National Guard member in Washington, with an Afghan national charged in the case, as immigrant-rights groups warn the freezes will harm vulnerable families and draw legal challenges.