The US Department of Homeland Security has expanded immigration restrictions by pausing applications from 20 more countries, effective from January 1. According to a memo released by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the agency has stopped reviewing pending applications for visas, green cards, citizenship, and asylum from people belonging to these countries. USCIS also said it will re-examine applications approved or filed as far back as 2021. The affected list includes countries such as Afghanistan, Haiti, Iran, Nigeria, Somalia, Venezuela, Yemen, and several others across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.
USCIS clarified that while many applications will continue to be processed, they will not be approved or rejected until further notice, meaning cases could remain pending for years. Even family-based applications, including those for spouses, parents, and children, are no longer broadly exempt. Some applicants may be called for interviews long after applying. The agency said the move is aimed at protecting national security and public safety, citing high overstay rates and fraud concerns. Limited exceptions apply, such as athletes and support staff participating in major global events like the World Cup and the Olympic Games.
