Washington: The United States has paused all immigration applications from citizens of 19 non European countries, according to reports from The New York Times and Reuters. The move affects visa processing, green card applications and naturalization procedures.
Officials in Washington said the decision is connected to national security concerns following a recent shooting in the capital. The suspect in that case is reported to be an Afghan national who entered the United States under a resettlement program. The government also confirmed that the pause is linked to travel restrictions announced earlier this year.
The Department of Homeland Security has not yet released the full list of affected countries. However, the suspension targets nations previously identified under earlier travel bans announced by President Donald Trump during his second term.
The pause has already created uncertainty for thousands of applicants waiting in the system. Some of those affected are already living in the United States with temporary status and were expecting long term approvals. Others include applicants for asylum, work visas and family reunification programs.
In addition to freezing new applications, the government has also begun reviewing previously approved asylum and green card cases from the same 19 countries. Immigration lawyers say this step is unusual and could extend delays for months or longer.
Immigration rights groups and legal advocates have criticised the decision. They argue that a complete pause on processing may violate obligations under US and international law, especially for asylum seekers who are already in the country.
The US government has not given a timeline for when processing will resume. Officials described the move as temporary but did not explain how long the review process may take.
Observers say the halt marks one of the most significant shifts in US immigration policy in recent years. The situation will continue to be closely watched by affected families, lawmakers and international partners.