The United States has halted all immigration processing for applicants from 19 countries already listed under President Donald Trump’s travel ban, according to an internal memo obtained by CBS News.
Immigration officers were ordered to stop all final decisions immediately.
The directive also pauses naturalisation ceremonies for migrants who were days away from becoming US citizens.
The move comes as Trump considers expanding the June travel-ban list from 19 countries to about 30.
Sweeping Freeze After DC Shooting
The latest restrictions follow last week’s Washington DC shooting that killed National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and left Andrew Wolfe, 24, in critical condition.
The suspect is an Afghan national who entered the US under a special programme for Afghans who worked with American forces before the Taliban’s return.
Since the shooting, the Trump administration has intensified its crackdown.
Last week, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) stopped all asylum decisions and began reassessing previously issued green cards from the 19 affected nations.
Internal Order Stops All Oaths and Approvals
The memo seen by CBS News leaves no ambiguity.
It states: “This hold includes all form types and making any final decisions (approvals, denials) as well as completing any oath ceremonies.”
USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser confirmed the freeze to the New York Times.
He said the government wants to ensure that only “the best of the best” become citizens, adding that “citizenship is a privilege, not a right.”
Citizenship Ceremonies Cancelled
Immigration lawyers told ABC News that several clients had their citizenship ceremonies cancelled this week.
They include migrants from Venezuela, Iran and Afghanistan.
Naturalisation ceremonies are the final step in a process that often takes up to five years.
The event usually sees applicants waving small American flags as they swear the oath of allegiance.
Pressure Mounts for Wider Travel Ban
On 4 June, the White House listed 19 mostly African, Middle Eastern and Caribbean countries for full or partial immigration restrictions.
Officials say Trump’s expanded list could push the number close to 30.
The White House has increasingly framed migrants and refugees as contributors to “social dysfunction,” echoing Trump’s recent rhetoric.
The new freeze marks one of the most sweeping immigration actions since Trump returned to office, signalling more restrictions ahead
