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1h ago

USCIS Freezes Immigration Benefits for Nationals of 19 Countries, Orders Re-Review of Biden-Era Arrivals

The agency says the pause is a security measure following the D.C. National Guard shooting by an Afghan asylum recipient.

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FILE - President Donald Trump speaks holding a large ticket representing a ticket for the World Cup final, row one, seat one, as Andrew Giuliani, from left, Richard Grenell, president of the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees, Vice President JD Vance, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem listen in the Oval Office of the White House, Aug. 22, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, file)
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President Donald Trump, signs an executive order in the Oval Office stablishing the "Trump Gold Card" and introducing a $100,000 fee for H-1B visas. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Processing of green cards, naturalization and other USCIS benefits is on hold for applicants from the 19 nations covered by President Trump's June travel restrictions, and all asylum adjudications are paused for every nationality.
  • USCIS directed a comprehensive re-review for people from those countries who entered the United States on or after Jan. 20, 2021, which may include interviews or re-interviews.
  • The memo instructs the agency to produce a prioritized list for review within roughly 90 days and states the holds remain until lifted by the director.
  • Reports from attorneys and media describe canceled naturalization ceremonies and widened case delays, with guidance allowing re-checks of previously approved benefits and potential referrals to enforcement.
  • Homeland Security leaders publicly defended the measures and suggested the travel restrictions could be broadened, while immigrant-rights groups and legal experts warned of sweeping humanitarian impacts and promised court challenges.