Trump administration pauses immigration applications from nationals of 19 countries

NBC News reports that the Trump administration yesterday halted immigration applications submitted by nationals from 19 countries that already faced restrictions on travel to the United States, according to a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services memo.

The policy memo states that "USCIS has considered that this direction may result in delay to the adjudication of some pending applications and has weighed that consequence against the urgent need for the agency to ensure that applicants are vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible."

"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," it added.

The New York Times first reported the immigration pause, which applies to both lawful permanent resident and U.S. citizenship applicants.