The Trump administration has halted all immigration applications filed by people from 19 countries, according to internal government guidance, its latest move to restrict legal immigration pathways.

Trump administration halts all asylum, immigration benefit applications for citizens of 19 'high-risk' countries after shooting of two National Guard members - Anadolu Ajansı

A new security review could delay citizenship and family reunification for people with roots in Africa, the Middle East and Latin America

The process of applying for U.S. citizenship has for years been long and involved several steps, including an application, background checks, tests and an interview. One must first establish legal residency for a time, through visas, green cards or other forms of immigration relief that in themselves can be difficult to obtain.

The quicker expiration dates primarily will affect immigrants seeking asylum or other forms of humanitarian protections.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is pausing all immigration applications such as requests for green cards for people from 19 countries banned from travel earlier this year, as part of sweeping immigration changes in the wake of the shooting of two National Guard troops.

"Any immigration benefit request postmarked on or after January 1, 2026 without the proper filing fee will be rejected," USCIS said.

The startup uses AI to help immigrants understand the system, connect with lawyers, and reduce associated costs.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services are creating a police force. This unit is responsible for cracking down on fraudulent immigration applications. The USCIS will train agents and these officers are allowed to carry guns and make arrests.

The US will raise several travel and immigration fees in 2026, including a $20 increase in the parole fee and minor hikes in ESTA and EVUS fees.