The move, communicated through the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), applies to all applications already in process and those submitted in the future. Individuals from these countries entering the US after 20 January 2021 will face additional screenings and interviews, according to the directive.
The decision comes in the wake of a November 26 shooting that left two National Guards dead outside the White House. Authorities have taken Afghan refugee Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, into custody. Lakanwal arrived in the US from Afghanistan in August 2021 and was granted refugee status in April 2025. FBI officials indicated that the attack highlighted gaps in the vetting procedures for foreign nationals.
President Trump framed the suspension as a measure to protect national security. “These policies aim to reduce the population involved in illegal or troublesome activities,” he said, arguing that flawed immigration policies have exacerbated crime and social disorder. He emphasized that reverse migration — sending individuals back to their countries — is the only viable solution to mitigate such risks.
The White House did not specify how long the suspension will last or whether it will affect current residents from the listed countries. Immigration experts have raised concerns that the decision could delay legal entry and exacerbate administrative backlogs, affecting refugees, students, and skilled workers alike.
USCIS officials confirmed that enhanced security screening measures are being implemented immediately, and applicants from the impacted nations will be notified of additional procedural requirements as the policy takes effect.
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