BREAKING: USCIS Pauses Green Cards for 19 Nations, Cuts Work-Permit Time
Effective today, the federal government has halted green card and citizenship processing for nationals of 19 countries. I have reviewed the directive that instructs USCIS officers to pause decisions, cancel interviews, and hold naturalization ceremonies for those applicants. The order cites national security, and it takes effect at once.
The same policy move also trims the length of work permits tied to pending cases. Future Employment Authorization Document renewals will last no more than 18 months. That change means more renewals, more fees, and a higher risk of job gaps.
This is the sharpest shift in legal immigration policy this year. It reaches into living rooms, job sites, and courtrooms. It will test the limits of executive power over lawful immigration paths.
USCIS field offices have begun canceling appointments for affected nationals. If you received a notice today, you are not alone.
Who Is Affected, And How
The pause targets nationals of 19 non European countries, including Afghanistan, Somalia, Haiti, and Iran. It covers both new filings and cases already in progress. Adjustment of status, immigrant visas, and naturalization are all in scope. Cases not linked to these nationalities continue, but the agency is diverting staff to security review.
For families, this means longer waits, missed swearing in dates, and uncertainty about travel. For employers, it increases the chance that valued workers lose the right to work if renewals do not land in time. For students and humanitarian applicants, it complicates already fragile timelines.
This action is part of a larger effort that includes tougher interviews, social media screening, and stricter public benefit rules. The message is clear, expect more scrutiny and slower decisions.
If you are from one of the 19 countries and were set to naturalize this week, expect delays. Keep your original ceremony notice and any cancellation message for your records.
The New Work Permit Rule
USCIS has capped future work permit renewals at 18 months. Many green card applicants rely on these EADs to stay employed while cases are pending. Shorter cards mean more frequent filings, higher legal costs, and added pressure on processing lines. If the agency cannot keep pace, workers could face lapses.
Automatic extensions still apply to some categories after a timely filing, but they are not a cure all. Any delay can force I 9 re verification problems at work. That is where people feel the risk most, a human resources deadline with no card in hand.
A gap in EAD validity can lead to job loss. File renewals as early as allowed, usually up to 180 days before expiry. ⚠️
Legal Fault Lines And What Comes Next
This policy will face fast legal tests. Lawyers are preparing challenges on due process and equal protection grounds. The core claim is simple, the government cannot freeze lawful pathways by nationality without a tight fit to a real security need.
Courts will also look at the Administrative Procedure Act. Agencies must explain big changes, follow their own rules, and avoid arbitrary decisions. Here, lawsuits are likely to ask judges to stop the pause and restore normal processing while cases move forward.
There is also a question under the immigration laws about nationality based discrimination in issuing visas and benefits. Prior battles over a travel ban set one track record, but this is different. It targets benefits for people already here and already vetted. Expect urgent filings in federal courts within days. 🧑⚖️
What Applicants And Employers Should Do Now
- File EAD renewals as early as permitted, and track delivery and receipt notices
- Avoid non essential international travel if you are affected by the pause
- Tell your HR team early, bring receipts that show automatic extension if eligible
- Speak with counsel about expedite options and documenting hardship
Keep a ready folder of your status, filing receipts, job letters, and any USCIS notices. You may need them with short notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the pause affect only new cases?
A: No. It also affects pending green card and naturalization cases for the 19 countries. Interviews and ceremonies can be canceled.
Q: Will my work permit be shorter on my next renewal?
A: Yes. New EAD renewals are capped at 18 months. Plan to renew more often and budget for extra fees.
Q: Can I still travel abroad?
A: If you are from an affected country, travel carries higher risk. Reentry or case delays may follow. Speak with counsel before you go.
Q: What legal rights do I have?
A: You have due process rights. You can challenge arbitrary delays and nationality based freezes in court. Class actions are expected.
Q: How long will this last?
A: The agency has not released an end date. It is framed as a security review. Court orders or new guidance could change the timeline.
Conclusion
The government has thrown a hard brake on green cards and citizenship for nationals of 19 countries, and it has tightened the clock on work permits. The policy touches workers, families, and employers across the country. The legal fight will come fast, but the real pressure is already here, missed ceremonies, expiring cards, and stalled plans. Stay ready, act early, and know your rights.
