The United States has officially halted the processing of all immigration applications associated with 19 countries already impacted by a travel ban, according to an internal memo obtained by CBS News, a partner of BBC. This significant decision by the US government has directed immigration officials to cease final adjudication on all cases and put a pause on naturalization ceremonies for migrants who are on the verge of achieving citizenship.
This latest directive follows reports indicating that former President Donald Trump is contemplating an expansion of the existing June order, which currently restricts travel from 19 countries, potentially increasing that number to 30. The tightening of immigration rules comes in the wake of a tragic shooting incident in Washington, DC, which resulted in the death of one National Guard soldier and left another in critical condition. The suspect in this case is an Afghan national residing in the US.
On June 4, the White House identified 19 countries—primarily located in Africa, the Middle East, and the Caribbean—that would be subject to full or partial immigration restrictions. The latest guidance issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) not only halts all asylum decisions but also includes a re-evaluation of green card visas issued to migrants from the nations affected by the travel ban. The memo explicitly states that this hold encompasses all form types and prohibits final decisions on approvals, denials, and the completion of oath ceremonies.
Matthew Tragesser, a spokesperson for USCIS, confirmed the pause in processing to the New York Times, stating, “The Trump administration is making every effort to ensure individuals becoming citizens are the best of the best. Citizenship is a privilege, not a right.” This statement underscores the administration's commitment to rigorous vetting processes for prospective citizens.
Immigration lawyers have reported that numerous clients have experienced cancelled citizenship hearings this week, particularly affecting migrants from countries like Venezuela, Iran, and Afghanistan, as reported by ABC News. The naturalization ceremony represents the culmination of up to five years of application processing, typically filled with emotional scenes as new citizens recite their oath of allegiance while friends and family wave miniature American flags.
This recent move by the White House aligns with Trump’s increasing rhetoric, blaming migrants and refugees for the social issues he attributes to the United States. The administration has intensified its immigration crackdown following the tragic shooting incident that resulted in the deaths and injuries of National Guardsmen Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, last Wednesday in the nation’s capital. The arrested suspect had previously traveled to the US under a program designed to provide special protections to Afghans who had collaborated with US forces prior to the Taliban's resurgence.