The United States has suspended all immigration applications from citizens of 19 countries, including requests for green cards and US citizenship. According to American media reports, the suspension affects nations such as Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, Turkmenistan, Yemen, and several others.
According to a report published by The New York Times, the ban applies to citizens from countries that the Trump administration had barred in June from obtaining status through the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). All pending cases awaiting final approval or denial have also been halted under this directive.
USCIS has stated that all immigration cases from these countries are temporarily suspended, including those of individuals who were close to obtaining American citizenship.
This move by the Trump administration comes after a recent incident in which an Afghan national opened fire near the White House, killing one National Guard member and critically injuring another. Following the incident, the US also halted visa issuance for all individuals traveling on Afghan passports and suspended decisions on all pending asylum applications.
