The United States has begun a sweeping reassessment of Green Cards belonging to immigrants from 19 designated high-risk nations. According to a USCIS directive, immigration officers will now treat nationality-specific indicators as major red flags during the evaluation of current and future applications. This policy shift follows a high-profile shooting near the White House, which reignited national debate over screening procedures and border security. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
The new measure applies immediately to both pending and newly filed applications and signals a heightened period of scrutiny for immigrants from the listed countries. USCIS officials will conduct in-depth reviews of background information, security checks, and any new developments since the applicant first obtained permanent residency.
Why the U.S. Is Reassessing Certain Green Cards
The reassessment stems from national security concerns following an incident in Washington, D.C., involving a suspect from Afghanistan. President Donald Trump and USCIS leadership emphasized that “American life must come first,” prompting intensified vetting and broad immigration reviews. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow stated that immigration officers are now required to consider country-specific risks as significant factors during application assessments.
Countries Affected by the New U.S. Green Card Screening
Green Card holders and applicants from the following 19 nations of concern will undergo enhanced scrutiny: :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Yemen
- Afghanistan
- Venezuela
- Myanmar (Burma)
- Turkmenistan
- Burundi
- Togo
- Chad
- Sudan
- Republic of the Congo
- Somalia
- Cuba
- Sierra Leone
- Equatorial Guinea
- Libya
- Eritrea
- Laos
- Haiti
- Iran
For immigrants from these countries, USCIS may re-examine security files, background history, and any new information that could affect their immigration standing.
Who Will Be Impacted?
The new vetting applies to:
- Current Green Card holders from the 19 countries
- Applicants in the final stages of permanent residency
- Newly filed immigration applications
USCIS may also apply nationality-related security factors when reviewing future immigration benefit requests.
Who Is NOT Affected by This Policy?
The statement explicitly clarifies that it does not apply to: :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Individuals already granted asylum
- Refugees already admitted into the United States
- Persons granted withholding of removal
- Applicants covered under the Convention Against Torture (CAT)
Additionally, nothing in the directive restricts a person’s right to seek asylum, refugee status, or CAT protection under U.S. law.
What Happens Next?
USCIS officers will continue reassessing risk factors based on nationality, security concerns, and updated information from federal agencies. Green Card holders from the affected countries may experience delays, additional background checks, or requests for updated documentation during renewals or other immigration procedures.
Conclusion
The United States’ decision to intensify scrutiny of Green Cards from 19 nations marks a significant shift in immigration screening policy. With immediate effect, applicants and residents from these countries can expect more rigorous reviews as USCIS prioritizes national-security-driven vetting. While asylum seekers and refugees are exempt, all others should prepare for enhanced assessments and potential processing delays.