Trump’s administration takes a bold stand on immigration, temporarily halting green card approvals for refugees and asylum seekers. This new security measure will ensure America’s highest safety standards are met before granting residency status to foreigners who entered during Biden’s presidency.
At a glance:
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has paused finalizing certain green card applications to comply with Trump’s Executive Order for maximum vetting
• The pause affects thousands of refugees and asylum seekers, including those from Afghanistan, who must now undergo additional screening
• The directive is part of Executive Order 14161, which aims to “vet and screen to the maximum degree possible all aliens” especially from regions with security risks
• Applications were already facing delays of 8-10 months before this additional pause was implemented
• Social media accounts of immigrants applying for citizenship, green cards, and asylum will now be reviewed more rigorously
Trump Administration Strengthens Border Security with Enhanced Vetting
The Department of Homeland Security has initiated a temporary pause on finalizing certain green card applications pending additional screening and vetting procedures. This action derives directly from President Trump’s Executive Order 14161, which mandates maximum security measures for all foreign nationals seeking permanent residency in the United States.
The enhanced vetting process specifically targets applications from refugees and asylum seekers admitted during the Biden administration. President Trump’s order specifically requires officials to “vet and screen to the maximum degree possible all aliens who intend to be admitted, enter, or are already inside the United States, particularly those aliens coming from regions or nations with identified security risks.”
Impact on Thousands of Applicants Already in the System
The temporary suspension affects at least 67,800 asylum seekers and nearly 40,000 refugees who filed applications between October 2023 and September 2024. The applicants have already been waiting an average of 8-10 months for processing before this additional pause was implemented.
Under U.S. immigration law, refugees and asylum seekers must wait one full year before applying for green cards, meaning all affected applicants have already been in the country for a significant period. The new screening procedures will include more rigorous review of social media accounts and ensuring all application forms are thoroughly completed to identify potential fraud, public safety concerns, or national security threats.
Broader Immigration Policy Overhaul in Progress
The green card application pause is just one component of Trump’s immigration reform agenda. The administration has also revoked temporary protected status for approximately 530,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans.
USCIS, which is funded through application fees rather than tax dollars, has made some progress in reducing its backlog of petitions. The agency reported a 15% reduction in its backlog in 2023 and an 11.2% reduction the previous year.
The Trump administration has furthermore established “federal homeland security task forces” to enhance cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement in identifying and removing illegal immigrants.
