As part of a broader effort to more aggressively vet immigrants and documented migrants, the Trump administration has placed some green card applications on hold. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently directed officials to suspend processing of requests for legal permanent residency submitted by individuals granted refugee or asylum status. Due to this decision, individuals who were granted refugee status will be placed in legal limbo.
The Trump administration targeted both congressionally enacted programs and the asylum system at the U.S.-Mexico border. Green card applications pertaining to these programs are now placed on hold. These programs typically offer individuals facing persecution in their home countries a legal basis to remain in the U.S.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated the pause on green card applications is needed to comply with two executive orders issued by President Trump. The orders in question called for a review of the immigration vetting procedures under the Biden administration. The DHS clarified that the pause is meant to be temporary, and processing will resume once it deems sufficient vetting standards and practices are established.
The pause on green card applications is the latest in a slew of actions taken by the Trump administration to restrict, and in some cases suspend, legal immigration procedures. The White House argues that many of these programs pose both security and fraud risks. The Trump administration has also suspended other refugee programs such as the temporary protected status designations of Haiti and Venezuela, and two Biden-era programs that allowed for immigrants from select Latin American countries and Ukraine to reside in the U.S.
Trump officials explained that until more secure vetting procedures that minimize fraud and security risks are put in place, legal immigration programs will face stricter oversight.
As always, ILBSG actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, it’s particularly critical.
