U.S. Implements Sweeping Immigration Policy Changes
The United States has enacted significant changes to its immigration policies, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) initiating a broad review of green cards issued to individuals from 19 'countries of concern'. Concurrently, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has indefinitely halted the processing of all immigration requests related to Afghan nationals. These directives, which took effect on November 27, 2025, and were formalized in a policy memorandum on December 2, 2025, are part of a broader effort to enhance national security screening.
Details of the Suspension and Review
The USCIS review targets permanent resident cards granted to nationals of countries identified in President Donald Trump's June Presidential Proclamation 10949. USCIS Director Joe Edlow confirmed that the agency will re-examine these cases, focusing on 'negative, country-specific factors,' such as the credibility and reliability of identity documents from these nations.
The 19 countries of concern include:
- Afghanistan
- Burma (Myanmar)
- Burundi
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Cuba
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Laos
- Libya
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
- Yemen
In addition to the green card review, DHS has frozen all Afghan immigration cases, including asylum approvals granted under the Biden Administration, and has indefinitely suspended the processing of a wide range of applications such as adjustment of status, parole requests, and naturalization. The Department of State has also ceased all visa issuance for Afghan nationals, including Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs), directing consulates to refuse both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas.
Context and Rationale Behind the Policy Shift
These stringent measures follow a Thanksgiving week shooting in Washington D.C. involving an Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who had been granted asylum. The Trump administration has cited national security and public safety concerns as the primary drivers for these policy changes. President Trump has stated that the goal is to 'permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries,' revoke federal benefits for noncitizens, and increase denaturalization actions against individuals deemed security risks.
The administration's approach reflects a broader effort to tighten immigration controls, with officials emphasizing the need for maximum vetting and screening. USCIS has also announced the establishment of a specialized USCIS Vetting Center in Atlanta, which will utilize advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, to conduct more thorough reviews of immigration applications.
Potential Impact on Applicants
The new policies are expected to lead to significant delays, denials, and potential revocations of legal status for thousands of residents and applicants. Tens of thousands of Afghans, including approximately 265,000 applicants in the pipeline and roughly 180,000 Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) cases, are now in legal limbo. Critics warn that these measures could trigger mass delays and create widespread uncertainty for many lawful residents and applicants.
6 Comments
Leonardo
The need for secure borders is clear, yet these measures could leave thousands of innocent people, including those fleeing persecution, in dangerous limbo without due process.
Michelangelo
Protecting our borders is the government's number one job.
Raphael
While national security is paramount, the blanket suspension for Afghans seems overly broad and could harm many who legitimately assisted the U.S.
Michelangelo
Stricter vetting is absolutely necessary for public safety.
Donatello
Pure xenophobia disguised as national security. Unacceptable.
Leonardo
Enhanced screening methods using AI could be beneficial, but the stated goal to 'permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries' raises concerns about underlying discriminatory motives.