Overview
- An internal Dec. 2 memo directs an adjudicative hold on green cards, naturalization and other benefits for nationals of the same 19 countries named in June’s travel ban proclamation.
- USCIS has paused asylum and withholding-of-removal adjudications for all applicants regardless of nationality, with the hold in effect until lifted by the director via a subsequent memo.
- Officers must conduct a comprehensive re-review—with potential interviews and re-interviews—of affected nationals who entered the United States on or after Jan. 20, 2021, including previously approved benefits.
- Operational fallout has begun, with attorneys and outlets reporting canceled interviews and oath ceremonies and warnings of significant delays as litigation and congressional scrutiny are anticipated.
- Homeland Security officials defend the move as a national security measure, and Secretary Kristi Noem has urged expanding travel restrictions, with some reports indicating the list could grow beyond 19 countries.