Five months after the Trump administration paused immigration processing from high-risk countries following a deadly D.C. shooting, the policy—now covering 39 nations—has stranded thousands already in the U.S. in legal limbo, facing job losses, stalled careers, and deportation fears. Personal stories highlight hardship, while lawsuits yield court orders for relief.
The policy began in late November 2025 with a halt on decisions for applicants from 19 countries previously under travel restrictions, triggered by Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, fatally shooting National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and wounding Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe near the White House. Now expanded to 39 countries including Nigeria, Myanmar, and Venezuela, it has frozen visa renewals, green cards, work permits, and citizenship applications for hundreds of thousands, even those who paid up to $3,000 for premium processing at USCIS.
A Homeland Security spokesperson defended the indefinite holds as prioritizing safety through enhanced vetting from 'high-risk' nations uncooperative on terrorism. Brandy Perez Carbaugh of The Heritage Foundation framed it as a signal that U.S. immigration is not an entitlement.
Impacts ripple widely: A, a Myanmar-born cancer research leader in Ohio since 2016, lost a promotion due to paused work authorization. M, a Nigerian in Virginia matched for a surgery residency in Oregon, broke down in tears over the barrier tied to her birthplace. P, a Nigerian engineering graduate in Texas, rejected job offers and struggles with bills.
U.S. citizens suffer too: Isaac Narvaez Gomez awaits his Venezuelan wife's green card, blocking family planning. Cato Institute's David Bier called premium fees a 'scam' exposing immigrants to deportation.
Legal pushback mounts: Over 33 lawsuits filed. A Northern California judge ordered decisions by May 18 for 32 applicants; a Maryland judge mandated processing for 83. Attorney Zachary New, aiding 500+, notes half of USCIS applications affected, hitting healthcare and STEM sectors.
Part of ongoing coverage: U.S. Immigration Pause After D.C. National Guard Shooting.
