US Freezes Immigration Applications from 19 “High-Risk” Countries Under Trump Administration

The Donald J. Trump administration has announced a full pause on immigration applications — including green cards, naturalisation and asylum requests — for nationals from 19 countries already under travel restrictions. The freeze applies even to those with pending applications.

The policy affects countries that were previously subject to either full or partial travel bans under a mid‑2025 proclamation. Among those listed are Afghanistan, Somalia, Iran, Venezuela and Cuba. The decision came in response to a recent shooting near the White House involving an Afghan asylum recipient, which the administration cited as justification for heightened security scrutiny.

Under the directive, the agency responsible for immigration, USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services), has been ordered to halt final adjudication of these applications. All applicants from the affected countries — whether inside or outside the U.S. — will undergo a comprehensive re‑review process. This includes potential re‑interviews and revised vetting procedures aimed at assessing national security and public safety risks.

The freeze on applications is indefinite and will remain until a follow‑up memorandum lifts it, according to agency officials. Meanwhile, many applicants have had interviews and naturalisation ceremonies cancelled, and legal observers warn this decision may lead to delays, uncertainty and possible legal challenges from those impacted.

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