Trump halts immigration applications from 19 countries under travel restrictions

Trump

The Donald Trump administration has ordered an immediate halt to immigration applications from nationals of 19 countries already subject to United States travel bans or restrictions, according to a memo issued on Tuesday by US Citizenship and Immigration Services, NBC reported.

The four-page directive states that the pause, which applies to both green card and citizenship applications, is intended to allow for heightened security screenings.

“USCIS has considered that this direction may result in a delay to the adjudication of some pending applications.

“Ultimately, USCIS has determined that the burden of processing delays that will fall on some applicants is necessary and appropriate in this instance, when weighed against the agency’s obligation to protect and preserve national security,” the agency wrote. Punch