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4d ago

USCIS Puts Cases From 19 'High-Risk' Countries on Hold, Canceling Citizenship Oaths

USCIS cites enhanced security vetting after the D.C. Guard shooting, offering no timeline to restart affected cases.

Mr. Vasquez, a Cuban immigrant and San Francisco resident who asked to be identified by his last name because of fear of immigration repercussions, said the immigration ban has kept his family separated. He’s walking his dog in San Francisco.
Mr. Vazquez, who the Chronicle is only identifying by his last name, walks his dog Cody at Douglass Playground in San Francisco. 
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Overview

  • Lawful permanent residents from the 19 designated countries are seeing naturalization ceremonies and interviews abruptly canceled, including an Afghan SIV holder in San Diego whose approved oath was called off.
  • USCIS confirmed it has paused all adjudications for nationals from the listed countries to conduct heightened screening, saying the review prioritizes public safety.
  • The hold affects a broad range of benefits, with attorneys reporting halted asylum decisions and USCIS moving to reexamine previously approved green cards for people from countries of concern.
  • Recent coverage shows the list includes Afghanistan, Haiti, Somalia, Iran, Cuba and others, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has indicated it could expand to more than 30 nations.
  • The agency is standing up a new Vetting Center in Atlanta using advanced screening tools, while immigration advocates warn the measures will deepen backlogs and deter eligible immigrants from engaging with the system.