US Green Card Policy Tightened for High-Risk Nations

In response to a serious security incident, the Trump administration is implementing a rigorous re-evaluation of Green Cards for immigrants originating from designated ‘countries of concern.’ The decision, confirmed by USCIS Director Joseph Edlow, stems from a shooting incident involving an Afghan national that resulted in injuries to two National Guard service members. Edlow announced via social media that the review would cover every Green Card holder from these specific countries, underscoring a commitment to national security. This move reverses what is described as a previous administration’s “reckless resettlement policies.” The updated policy empowers USCIS to factor in country-specific risks for 19 identified nations, such as Afghanistan, Somalia, and Cuba. This stringent measure is effective immediately and impacts all immigration applications filed or awaiting processing from November 27th onward. Indian nationals are unaffected as their country is not among those designated.