The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has officially suspended applications for asylum, pending benefits, and naturalization processes, including citizenship ceremonies, for immigrants from nineteen specified countries.
Effective immediately, USCIS personnel are directed to halt all Form I-589 applications for asylum or removal regardless of country of nationality pending comprehensive review as mandated by Presidential Proclamation 10949. Similarly, benefit requests for aliens from these designated nations are paused pending review irrespective of entry date.
This follows the administration’s stated response to the recent National Guard attack in Washington, D.C., framing the action within a broader national security context. The policy includes a thorough re-review process involving potential interviews or background checks regarding any risks related to national security and public safety grounds, including suspected terrorism ties or criminal activity.
The suspension will remain until formally lifted by an official memo from USCIS. Officials also anticipate expanding these restrictions potentially up to thirty nations in light of the ongoing review.
Countries impacted include: Venezuela