USCIS Pauses Green Card Processing for Enhanced Security Checks

Washington D.C. - The Trump administration, through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), has announced a temporary halt in the processing of some green card applications. This measure, officials say, is necessary to comply with an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in January, aimed at bolstering national security. The executive order mandates increased vetting procedures for individuals seeking to become legal permanent residents of the United States.

USCIS officials stated that the pause will allow the agency to implement more rigorous screening processes. These processes include enhanced background checks, additional interviews, and more thorough reviews of applicant documentation. The agency emphasized that the goal is to identify and prevent potential security threats from entering the country.

While the specific categories of green card applications affected by the pause have not been explicitly detailed, sources within USCIS suggest that applications from countries deemed to be high-risk are likely to be prioritized for the enhanced vetting process. The pause is expected to last several weeks, during which time USCIS will work to implement the new procedures and train its staff. Applicants whose cases are affected will be notified directly by the agency.

Immigration advocates have expressed concerns about the potential impact of the pause on families and individuals who are waiting to reunite with loved ones in the United States. They argue that the enhanced vetting procedures could lead to further delays and uncertainty in the immigration process. USCIS maintains that it is committed to processing applications as efficiently as possible while ensuring the safety and security of the nation.