Trump Administration Pauses Immigration Applications for Nationals of 19 Countries. What Immigrants and Families Should Know

In one of the most significant immigration policy shifts of late 2025, the U.S. government has announced a pause on the processing of immigration benefit applications for nationals of 19 designated countries. This action affects a broad range of immigration processes, including green card requests, naturalization (citizenship), asylum adjudications, and other immigrant benefits. The pause comes amid expanded travel restrictions and heightened national security concerns.

At AYRA Immigration Law, in Los Angeles, we want our clients and communities to understand what this means, who is affected, and what steps you should consider if you or a loved one may be impacted by this policy.

What Is Happening and Why

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued internal guidance directing its officers to halt final decisions on immigration applications from nationals of 19 countries previously subjected to a travel ban. These countries were already included in broader restrictions announced earlier this year as part of a national security‑focused policy.

The pause applies to cases regardless of when they were filed and regardless of whether the applicant is inside or outside the United States. That means benefits such as adjustment of status (green cards), naturalization (citizenship), and other USCIS adjudications will not move forward until further guidance is issued.

Officials say these steps are part of an effort to conduct enhanced vetting of applicants from countries the administration considers “high risk,” with the stated goal of protecting national security and public safety. Critics argue the policy amounts to collective punishment based on nationality rather than case‑by‑case evaluation.

Which Countries Are Affected

The list of 19 “high‑risk” countries is derived from the administration’s expanded travel ban and includes:

• Afghanistan

• Burma (Myanmar)

• Chad

• Republic of the Congo

• Equatorial Guinea

• Eritrea

• Haiti

• Iran

• Libya

• Somalia

• Sudan

• Yemen

• Burundi

• Cuba

• Laos

• Sierra Leone

• Togo

• Turkmenistan

• Venezuela

This list was expanded from an earlier travel restriction and includes countries with fully suspended visa issuance as well as those with partial restrictions.

How This Affects You

If you are a national of one of these countries and have a pending immigration application, here’s what you need to know:

1. Your Application Will Be Put on Hold
USCIS has been instructed not to complete final decisions on green cards, naturalization ceremonies, or other benefit applications for people from these countries. Cases are being held while further review and vetting procedures are developed.

2. Asylum and Other Benefits Are Also Impacted
In addition to applications from the 19 countries, USCIS has temporarily suspended final decisions on asylum claims for all nationalities as part of a broader review.

3. Even Approved Cases Are Being Re‑Reviewed
The new policy calls for a re‑examination of previously approved benefits for those who arrived in the U.S. after January 20, 2021, and are from the affected list of countries. This means some cases that were considered complete may be subject to additional scrutiny and even re‑interview.

4. Naturalization Ceremonies Have Been Canceled
There are reports that some scheduled citizenship oath ceremonies have been postponed or canceled for individuals from these countries, even after applicants had seemingly completed all requirements.

Why This Policy Was Introduced

This pause follows an expanded travel ban policy that was part of a broader national security strategy announced by the administration earlier in 2025. The guidance ties immigration processing to those travel restrictions and directs a deeper re‑review of cases from the listed countries. Officials have cited public safety and national security as the rationale for the pause.

What You Should Do If You Are Affected

If you or a family member is from one of the affected countries and has a pending immigration benefit application, consider the following steps:

Check Your Case Status

• Confirm your case status with USCIS or through your attorney to see if your application has been placed on hold.

Continue Filing Where Required

• Even though adjudication is paused, keep filing necessary forms on time for extensions of status or renewals to protect your legal status.

Document Everything

• Collect and store all notices, receipts, and correspondence from USCIS about your case. These documents will be crucial if your case is re‑reviewed or reopened.

Work With an Immigration Attorney

• Policies like this are complex and evolving. An experienced attorney can help you understand your options, communicate with USCIS, and prepare responses if additional vetting or interviews are required.

At AYRA Immigration Law, we can review your case, advise you on next steps, and represent your interests throughout this uncertainty.

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The pause on immigration benefit applications for nationals of 19 countries is a sweeping policy impacting thousands of individuals and families. With green card cases, naturalization proceedings, and asylum decisions on hold, many people face uncertainty about their future in the United States.

If you are directly affected or have questions about how this policy might impact your case or your family’s status, reach out to AYRA Immigration Law in Los Angeles. We are here to help you understand your legal rights and guide you through the changing immigration landscape.

Source: NBC News