As of December 3, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced an immediate pause on all immigration benefit applications, including green card (permanent residency) requests, naturalization, and asylum decisions, for individuals from 19 countries subject to the ongoing travel ban. This move follows a June 2025 executive order imposing full or partial entry restrictions on nationals from these nations, citing national security and public safety concerns. The pause affects pending applications and triggers a comprehensive re-review of previously approved green cards issued to people from these countries, potentially dating back to 2021.

This development impacts thousands of families and individuals seeking lawful pathways to the U.S. If you or your loved ones are from one of these countries, it’s crucial to explore alternative immigration options immediately, such as family-based petitions or humanitarian relief.

At Truong Law Firm, PLLC, we specialize in navigating complex U.S. immigration challenges for clients from restricted countries. Our experienced team can help with waiver applications, status adjustments, and alternative visa strategies. Contact us today for a free consultation to protect your family’s future.

The 19 Countries Affected by the Immigration Pause

The restrictions divide into 12 countries with full bans (no entry for immigrants or most nonimmigrants) and 7 countries with partial restrictions (some temporary visas allowed, but immigration benefits paused). Here’s the full list:

Full Ban Countries (12):

1. 1. Afghanistan
   2. Burma (Myanmar)
   3. Chad
   4. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
   5. Equatorial Guinea
   6. Eritrea
   7. Haiti
   8. Iran
   9. Libya
   10. Somalia
   11. Sudan
   12. Yemen

Partial Restriction Countries (7):

1. 1. Burundi
   2. Cuba
   3. Laos
   4. Sierra Leone
   5. Togo
   6. Turkmenistan
   7. Venezuela

These nations were selected based on factors like deficient passport screening, high refusal rates for U.S. visas, and challenges in repatriating deportees. The pause halts processing for green cards, citizenship, and asylum, while USCIS reviews existing approvals for potential revocation.

Truong Law Firm, PLLC has successfully assisted clients from these countries with appeals, waivers, and alternative pathways like family-sponsored visas. Reach out to learn how we can help your case.

Why This Pause Matters and What It Means

The USCIS directive introduces “country-specific negative factors” in vetting, leading to heightened scrutiny and delays. For example:

• Green Card Holders: Re-interviews and potential cancellations if deemed a security risk.
• Pending Applications: Indefinite hold, with no timeline for resumption.
• Family Impact: Spouses, children, and parents from these countries may face separation if renewals or adjustments are stalled.

While this creates uncertainty, legal options remain. Our firm can guide you through humanitarian parole, TPS extensions (where applicable), or family-based I-130 petitions.

FAQ

Q: What exactly is paused for these 19 countries? A: All USCIS benefit applications, including green cards (I-485), naturalization (N-400), and asylum (I-589). Existing green cards are under re-review, but no immediate revocations have been announced.

Q: Does this affect people already in the U.S. from these countries? A: Yes—renewals, adjustments of status, and citizenship applications are paused. Travel outside the U.S. could trigger re-entry issues under the travel ban.

Q: Are there exceptions, like for U.S. citizens’ family members? A: Limited waivers exist for immediate relatives (spouses/children of U.S. citizens), but processing is delayed. Consult Truong Law Firm, PLLC for waiver eligibility.

Q: How long will this pause last? A: Indefinite, pending a “comprehensive review.” Similar past pauses lasted 6-18 months.

Q: How can Truong Law Firm, PLLC help with this? A: We specialize in appeals, waivers (e.g., I-212 for inadmissibility), and alternatives like family visas. Schedule a free consultation to assess your options.