The US has announced a temporary suspension of all green-card and citizenship applications from 19 non-European countries, affecting both new and pending cases. The decision comes after a recent shooting in Washington D.C., in which two National Guard members were attacked. Authorities have arrested an Afghan man in connection with the incident.
The countries affected by this suspension include Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. Citizens from these nations who had applied for US permanent residency or naturalization will now face additional scrutiny, and their cases may be delayed as immigration officials re-examine security risks.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said the move is a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring public safety and national security. Officials stressed that applications already under review will be re-evaluated, and some applicants may be required to attend extra interviews or provide further documentation.
This policy represents a significant shift in US immigration enforcement. Until now, the administration’s focus had been on border security, asylum enforcement, and deportation of undocumented migrants. By extending restrictions to legal immigration processes, including naturalization, the administration is taking a more comprehensive approach to screening applicants from certain countries.
The suspension is expected to impact thousands of migrants and asylum seekers. Immigration lawyers report that citizenship ceremonies have already been postponed, and advocacy groups are warning of potential disruptions to families and employment plans for applicants.
Critics argue the move unfairly targets specific nations and could strain diplomatic relations, while supporters say it is a necessary step to prevent potential threats. The administration has not specified how long the suspension will last, but officials have indicated that all applications will undergo a security review before normal processing resumes.
This unprecedented measure highlights the US government’s heightened focus on national security in immigration policy and signals tighter restrictions for applicants from certain countries in the foreseeable future.
Also Read: Defence, trade, energy top agenda at Modi-Putin meet
