Archive · 3 Dec 2025
US Halts Immigration from Travel-Banned Nations
After an Afghan national shot two National Guard members near the White House, the Trump administration made several changes to immigration rules.
They paused all decisions on asylum requests and stopped giving visas to people from Afghanistan.
They also planned to review many refugees who came to the US when President Biden was in office.
The goal is to make sure that people coming to or living in the US do not pose a threat.
Some people think these changes are too strict, while others believe they are necessary for safety.
Additionally, the Secretary of Homeland Security recommended a full travel ban on countries sending immigrants described as 'killers, leeches, and entitlement junkies.'
The administration has also paused all immigration applications from 19 countries on the travel ban list, affecting green card and citizenship processing.
This has caused confusion and delays for many immigrants and their lawyers.
USCIS suspended all asylum decisions after the shooting of National Guard members by an Afghan national.
Visa issuance for Afghan nationals has been temporarily halted, including the Special Immigrant Visa program.
The Trump administration planned to review refugees admitted under the Biden administration's Refugee Assistance Program.
The Refugee Assistance Program, launched in 1980, was suspended in January 2025, with only a few refugees admitted since then.
The administration has paused all immigration applications from 19 countries on the travel ban list, affecting green card and citizenship processing.
- Who
- US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, President Donald Trump's administration, Immigration lawyers and their clients
- What
- Implementation of stricter immigration policies, suspensions of asylum decisions, visa issuance for Afghan nationals, and proposal for a full travel ban on certain countries
- When
- Since last week (exact dates not specified for all changes)
- Where
- United States, specifically Washington DC for the incident
- Why
- In response to the shooting of National Guard members by an Afghan national, aiming to ensure the safety of American people and prevent potential threats
- Incident
- Shooting of National Guard members by Afghan national near White House
- Date of Incident
- Last week (exact date not specified)
- Location
- Washington DC, near the White House
- Asylum Decisions
- Suspended indefinitely
- Visa Issuance for Afghans
- Temporarily halted
- Special Immigrant Visa Program
- Closed for Afghan nationals
- Refugee Review
- Planned review of refugees admitted under Biden administration
- Refugee Assistance Program
- Suspended since January 2025
- Travel Ban Proposal
- DHS Secretary Noem recommends a full travel ban on countries sending 'killers, leeches, and entitlement junkies'
- Current Refugee Admissions Cap
- 7,500 (lowest ever)
- Countries Affected by Immigration Pause
- Iran, Sudan, Eritrea, Haiti, Somalia, and others
- Immigration Processes Affected
- Green card applications and U.S. citizenship requests
Sources
What are the US immigration restrictions ordered by Trump admin after shooting of National Guard members by Afghan national
Monday afternoon massacre! Trump administration ousts 8 NY immigration judges amid migrant crackdown
‘Full travel ban in US’: DHS Secy Noem urges Trump to ban nations sending ‘leeches’
US pauses immigration from 19 countries — Green cards, citizenship on hold. Full list inside
US halts immigration applications from 19 nations – How does this impact green cards and citizenship? Is India affected?
US pauses all immigration applications from 19 non-European countries
US Pauses All Immigration Applications From 19 Non-European Countries
US pauses immigration applications from nations on travel ban list
Trump administration halts immigration from 19 nations over security concerns
