Immigration applications have been paused for multiple countries, per a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announcement. USCIS employees won’t process any new applications until further notice. The move is part of a larger effort to reassess immigration applicants in a more holistic manner to better gauge if they present any national security or public safety threats.
The pause in immigration applications applies to the following countries:
- Afghanistan.
- Myanmar (Burma).
- Chad.
- Republic of the Congo.
- Equatorial Guinea.
- Eritrea.
- Haiti.
- Iran.
- Libya.
- Somalia.
- Sudan.
- Yemen.
- Burundi.
- Cuba.
- Laos.
- Sierra Leone.
- Togo.
- Turkmenistan.
- Venezuela.
The list of impacted countries was initially compiled in June 2025 as part of partial immigration restrictions better known as the travel ban.
Immigration procedures for the affected countries, including citizenship ceremonies and green card processing, are on hold until further notice. Additionally, USCIS implemented a categorical suspension for all immigration applications from Afghanistan. While the government initially announced the suspension a few days earlier, a USCIS officially paused immigration processing on December 2, 2025.
Immigration authorities will review all applications from the listed countries, per a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) statement. USCIS will announce when the suspension is lifted. Until then, all immigration applicants coming from the listed countries are subject to review. Applicants might also be called into re-interview if immigration authorities deem it necessary.
As always, Immigration USA actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, please contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws and policy updates. In an ever-evolving immigration landscape, we’re with you every step of the way.