Trump Pauses Immigration Applications from 19 Countries

The Trump administration announced on Tuesday a pause on all immigration applications from nationals of 19 countries previously subjected to a partial travel ban, halting processes for green cards, U.S. citizenship, and other benefits amid heightened national security concerns. The move affects applicants already in the United States and builds on restrictions imposed in June, targeting nations including Afghanistan, Somalia, Iran, Haiti, Venezuela, Eritrea, Sudan, and others identified as posing risks to public safety.

The policy, outlined in an official memorandum from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, requires a thorough re-review of pending cases, including potential new interviews to assess threats. Officials cited a recent shooting in Washington, D.C., that killed one National Guard member and critically wounded another as a key factor. Authorities identified 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who received asylum in April, as the suspect in the attack on National Guard members Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24. The incident has prompted broader scrutiny of immigration vetting procedures.

Immigration lawyers reported immediate disruptions,...