In a significant escalation of immigration policy, the administration led by Donald Trump has ordered a sweeping freeze on all immigration applications from 19 countries deemed “high-risk.” The directive, issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), affects green-card and naturalization applications — as well as asylum and other immigration benefit requests. Forbes+2Sky News+2
The decision follows a fatal shooting in Washington, D.C., of two National Guard members by an Afghan national. Authorities say the shooting triggered the new review, which now puts thousands of pending applications on hold. Reuters+2Sky News+2
Which Countries Are Affected?
The 19 countries on the list include — but are not limited to — Afghanistan, Somalia, Iran, Libya, Yemen, Eritrea, Haiti, the Republic of the Congo, Chad, and several others previously subject to travel bans. The freeze covers both immigrants currently awaiting processing and new applicants from these nations. WUSF+2NBC New York+2
What the Freeze Means in Practice
All pending applications — green cards, naturalization, asylum, and other immigration benefits — are suspended. Anadolu Ajansı+1
According to USCIS, national security and public safety concerns motivated the decision. Applicants will undergo a “comprehensive re-review process,” which may include new interviews or re-interviews. Forbes+1
Immigration lawyers are already reporting widespread cancellations of naturalization ceremonies and interviews for affected nationals, often with no clear explanation. Africanews+2AP News+2
A Broader Immigration Shift — Not Just a Temporary Measure
This freeze builds on earlier 2025 visa and travel bans affecting many of the same countries, but expands the scope by targeting legal immigration pathways — including those already under way. The White House+2The Guardian+2
While some argue the step is a necessary security precaution, critics warn it effectively amounts to broad collective punishment. Those caught mid-application now face an uncertain future, even if they have done nothing wrong.
Human Cost and International Fallout
For many families and individuals — including refugees, asylum seekers, and lawful residents — this could trigger serious disruption. Lives, careers, and long-planned relocations may be stalled indefinitely.
The policy also inflicts reputational costs on the U.S. as a destination for immigrants and asylum seekers. Observers in Africa, the Middle East and beyond are already warning that this move may deepen distrust toward the U.S. immigration system, and further complicate established refugee-resettlement programs.
This shift appears to mark a watershed moment in U.S. immigration law — one where broad security arguments carry decisive weight, even against long-standing legal and humanitarian precedents.
