The Trump administration has suspended immigration applications for individuals from 19 countries it considers high-risk. This suspension includes requests for green cards and other immigration-related decisions. The decision came in response to a recent shooting incident involving two National Guard troops.
Details of the Immigration Suspension
On September 9, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released a memo outlining these changes. Joseph Edlow, the USCIS director, will determine when the suspension may be lifted. The majority of applications impacted were filed by individuals from nations included in a prior travel ban.
Countries Affected by the Travel Ban
- Afghanistan
- Myanmar
- Chad
- Republic of Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
The restricted access also includes:
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
Reasons Behind the Immigration Changes
The administration cited security concerns following the tragic shooting of two National Guard members, one of whom died. The suspect in this case is an Afghan national. As a result, the USCIS announced increased scrutiny for all immigrants from the designated countries.
Policy Implementation Timeline
Within 90 days of the memo, USCIS will compile a list of immigrants who will undergo enhanced review. This might involve interviews and potential referrals to immigration enforcement agencies. The agency will also re-examine green card applications for individuals from high-risk nations.
Broader Implications
In addition to pausing green card applications, USCIS has halted decisions on asylum cases. The State Department has also paused visas for Afghans who supported U.S. military efforts. Critics argue that these measures amount to collective punishment for those seeking refuge in the United States.
The Trump administration’s ongoing focus on national security continues to reshape immigration policies, especially concerning individuals from the affected countries. As more developments arise, the implications for immigration and community relations remain significant.
