On December 2, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued Policy Memorandum PM-602-0192, placing an immediate hold on key benefit applications from nationals of 19 high-risk countries designated countries of particular concern under Presidential Proclamation 10949.
This move, part of the Trump administration’s broader review of Biden-era approvals, puts a stop to processing for green cards, naturalizations, asylum claims, and more, resulting in widespread uncertainty for affected immigrants. from these high-risk countries
If you’re from one of these countries or sponsoring someone who is, here’s what you need to know right now.
What Is This USCIS Policy Hold?
Under the new directive, USCIS must pause adjudication of pending benefit requests from individuals born in or citizens of the listed high-risk countries. The goal is to conduct a “comprehensive review” to assess national security and public safety risks, including re-vetting approved cases from January 20, 2021, onward.
This isn’t a full denial, yet. It’s being described as a temporary freeze while USCIS prioritizes checks against the Terrorist Screening Dataset and other databases. Interviews will be canceled without notice, with no rescheduling until the hold lifts, according to the USCIS Director’s memo. Expect this to last months, with a 90-day window for initial prioritization of cases for deeper scrutiny, potential re-interviews, or referrals to ICE.
DHS emphasizes that “Citizenship is a privilege, not a right. We will take no chances when the future of our nation is at stake.” But for applicants, it could mean being thrown into limbo, especially after years of waiting.
Which 19 Countries Are Affected?
The policy targets nationals from the following high-risk countries, based on Proclamation 10949’s focus on terrorism and security threats:
| COUNTRY | Key Notes on Impact |
| Afghanistan | High volume of prior approvals. |
| Myanmar | Ongoing refugee concerns amplify delays. |
| Chad | Limited U.S. ties, but family petitions stalled. |
| Republic of the Congo | Humanitarian cases in jeopardy. |
| Equatorial Guinea | Rare applicants face outsized uncertainty. |
| Eritrea | Long-waiting green card holders most affected. |
| Haiti | Recent parolees risk status lapses. |
| Iran | Travel ban expansions loom large |
| Libya | Security vetting already rigorous |
| Somalia | Asylum backlogs compound the freeze |
| Sudan | Conflict-driven applications frozen |
| Yemen | Family reunifications disrupted. |
| Burundi | The smaller community feels the ripple effects. |
| Cuba | Recent policy shifts add layers of review. |
| Laos | Legacy cases under scrutiny |
| Sierra Leone | Ebola-era approvals revisited |
| Togo | Minimal traffic, but total halt. |
| Turkmenistan | Isolated applicants might be isolated further |
| Venezuela | CHNV parole holders caught in crosshairs |
From FY 2021 to Q1 FY 2024, about 120,000 Afghan nationals have settled in the United States, after it pulled out of the country. Following the DC shooting, the Trump administration had earlier called for a reexamination of green cards from all affected countries, but this update means they are now all under review. If your country of birth or citizenship matches, your pending forms are on hold.
What Applications Are Impacted?
The hold applies broadly to “benefit requests,” but does not include basic screenings like credible fear interviews. Here’s the breakdown:
1. Green Cards (Form I-485): Adjustment of status paused, with no approvals granted until review clears.
2. Naturalization (Form N-400): Citizenship interviews canceled, to require re-vetting.
3. Asylum (Form I-589): Universal hold, applies to all regardless of nationality. Will be a big hit for global claimants.
4. Other Forms: I-90 (replace card), N-470 (preserve residence), I-751 (remove conditions), I-131 (travel documents). All frozen.
5. Work Permits & Extensions: EAD renewals and visa extensions halted, risking employment gaps.
Exemptions are not expected, unless for litigation or “extraordinary circumstances” approved by USCIS leadership. There will be no interview waivers either, as all in-person appearances may be mandated post-review..
Conclusion: Secure Your Future Before the Next Shift
This USCIS is tightening its grip on the immigration system, but it’s not the end of your U.S. journey. Stay proactive and informed. Ready to explore O-1, EB-1, EB-2 NIW, or EB-3 options? Try AgoraVisa today.
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