U.S. Immigration Freeze: Broad Restrictions on Entry from High-Risk Nations

The White House has ordered a halt to final adjudication of immigration applications from citizens of 19 nations, including several facing travel-ban restrictions under President Donald Trump’s expanded order.

USCIS guidance directs officers to stop all cases involving applicants from these high-risk countries. Those targeted include individuals from Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Eritrea, and Haiti among others deemed problematic due to terrorism concerns or unstable conditions.

The freeze impacts every immigration form type processed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), stopping green card processing, naturalization ceremonies, asylum-related filings, work permits, and travel document issuance for foreign nationals from these countries.

DHS officials confirmed the pause in final adjudication, reiterating their commitment to “the highest standards of screening.” A DHS spokesperson stated: “The administration is making every effort to ensure individuals becoming citizens are the best of the best.”

“This administration continues its comprehensive overhaul of the U.S. immigration system,” said a USCIS representative.

Immigration attorneys reported widespread cancellations Tuesday, noting that many clients arrived for naturalization ceremonies or green card interviews and were unexpectedly turned away without explanation.

The decision comes amidst ongoing concerns about vetting procedures following last week’s shooting near the White House involving an Afghan national granted asylum under previous administration policies.