US Freezes Immigration Process for 19 Countries Amid National Security Concerns
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The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has put a temporary hold on immigration applications, green card requests, and naturalization processes for migrants from 19 high-risk countries. The move follows a policy memo outlining sweeping changes in the wake of a recent shooting incident involving two National Guard troops. According to the memo, the pause will affect immigrants from countries previously banned from travel, as well as those with restricted access. This includes citizens of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, and others, as well as those from Burundi, Cuba, and other countries with restricted access. The agency will conduct a comprehensive review of all approved benefit requests for immigrants from these countries who entered the US during the Biden administration. USCIS cited the shooting incident as a reason for the increased scrutiny, stating that a 'comprehensive re-review, potential interview, and re-interview of all aliens from high-risk countries of concern' is necessary. Within 90 days, the agency will create a prioritized list of immigrants for review and potential referral to immigration enforcement or law enforcement agencies. This move is part of a series of decisions aimed at scrutinizing immigrants already in the country and those seeking to enter the US. Critics argue that the Trump administration's actions amount to collective punishment for immigrants, with some questioning the effectiveness of the measures in addressing national security concerns.
