The United States has suspended immigration applications for citizens of 19 countries, expanding its ongoing crackdown on migration.
The pause affects green card and citizenship processing for nationals of countries that were already under travel restrictions announced in June by President Donald Trump.
The affected countries include Afghanistan, Yemen, Haiti, Sudan, Somalia, and Venezuela, among others.
According to an internal memorandum, the U.S. government says the halt is necessary to strengthen security checks following the recent shooting of two National Guard soldiers, which was allegedly carried out by an Afghan national who entered the country during the 2021 Afghanistan evacuation. One soldier was killed in the attack.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said the incident highlighted gaps in screening that must be addressed to protect Americans.
Senior officials under the Trump administration have hinted at broader immigration restrictions, citing national security.
President Trump recently vowed to “permanently pause migration from all Third World countries” until the system is overhauled.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also pushed for an expanded travel ban, saying she had recommended a “full travel ban” targeting countries she claimed were sending criminals and “entitlement junkies” to the U.S.
The current travel restrictions also apply to Burundi, Chad, Republic of Congo, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Iran, Laos, Libya, Myanmar, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Turkmenistan.
U.S. media reports also indicate plans for a major immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota targeting Somali immigrants — a move criticized by local leaders.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said city authorities would not support such actions, emphasizing their commitment to immigrant communities.