The United States has halted immigration processing for applicants from 19 countries already covered by the existing travel ban, following a new directive issued by the administration this week. The order instructs immigration officers to immediately pause work on green-card petitions, naturalization files, and other benefits linked to individuals from those nations, effectively freezing thousands of cases nationwide.
Officials say the pause is part of an urgent security reassessment triggered by a recent violent incident in Washington involving a foreign national who had entered the country through the asylum system. The administration maintains that the temporary freeze is necessary to strengthen screening procedures and ensure that all applicants undergo enhanced vetting before any immigration benefits are approved.
The decision has had swift consequences across the country. Applicants who were preparing for scheduled interviews reported abrupt cancellations, and legal representatives say they expect significant delays in the coming weeks. The directive also allows immigration authorities to reopen cases that had previously been approved, prompting concern among long-time residents who believed their status was settled.
Government officials insist the move is precautionary and temporary, but they have not given a timeline for when processing will resume. Immigration lawyers and community advocates warn that the halt will deepen existing backlogs and create uncertainty for families waiting for reunification, workers dependent on pending applications, and individuals on the verge of obtaining permanent residency or citizenship.
The freeze adds new pressure to an already strained immigration system, leaving many applicants unsure of their next steps and waiting for clarity on when regular processing might restart.