President Donald Trump calls on a reporter during a cabinet meeting at the White House. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Washington, D.C. — The Trump administration has temporarily halted certain green card applications to tighten immigration screening.
Officials say the suspension allows for additional vetting of applicants seeking permanent residency.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that the pause will remain in effect until further security reviews are completed.
This move aligns with broader efforts to reshape U.S. immigration policies, including the revocation of temporary legal status for select migrant groups and expanded deportation measures.
Green Card Policy Shift Impacts Thousands of Immigrants
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently instructed officers to stop processing green card applications for individuals with refugee or asylum status. This decision impacts many applicants awaiting permanent residency approvals.
The suspension is part of a wider strategy that has already affected over 530,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Under a policy shift set to take effect on April 24, 2025, these individuals will lose their temporary legal status, putting them at risk of deportation unless they secure another legal pathway.
Further measures include an increase in deportations and a push to challenge automatic birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants.
The birthright citizenship policy, however, remains tied up in legal disputes and has been temporarily halted by the courts.
Suspension Reflects Shifting Border Enforcement Trends
Border enforcement trends have fluctuated, with initial crackdowns followed by a decline in unauthorized crossings. In February, arrests at the southern border dropped below 8,500, the lowest monthly figure in decades.
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Legal experts and advocacy groups urge affected individuals to stay informed and explore available legal options to navigate ongoing immigration policy changes.
