US pauses immigration applications for all travel ban nationals
Effective immediately, USCIS said it was placing on hold all pending immigration applications for the citizens of the 39 countries and the Palestinian Authority under Trump’s expanded travel ban, including OPT applications and changes or extensions to status.
“USCIS remains dedicated to ensuring aliens from high-risk countries of concern who have entered the United States do not pose risks to national security or public safety,” read the January 1 memo.
“To faithfully uphold United States immigration law, the flow of aliens from countries with high overstay rates, significant fraud, or both must stop.”
It is unclear how long the pause will remain in place and what new vetting measures will be implemented. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The agency has said it will conduct a comprehensive review of all policies, procedures and screening processes of applicants either born in or citizens of the travel ban countries.
It is also re-examining all approved applications as far back as January 20, 2021, and has said it could re-interview those of concern.
USCIS remains dedicated to ensuring aliens from high-risk countries of concern who have entered the United States do not pose risks to national security or public safety
US Department of Homeland Security
In December 2025, the Trump administration paused the processing of asylum applications and pending immigration benefit requests for citizens of the 19 countries listed on Trump’s initial June 2025 travel ban – a move largely in response to the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington DC.
The expansion of the pause to an additional 20 countries comes as the government cracks down on those pursuing routes to permanent status in the US.
Most of the affected countries impacted by the recent update are African nations, including Nigeria – the US’s eighth largest source market of international students.
While existing visa holders are exempt from Trump’s travel ban, the latest move will cause uncertainty for international students from the impacted nations planning to pursue Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT.
“Ultimately, USCIS has determined the burden of processing delays which will fall on some aliens is necessary and appropriate, when weighed against the agency’s obligation to protect and preserve our national security,” stated the memo.
As such, immigration advisors have told impacted individuals to expect widespread delays, with reports of interviews being cancelled and appointments disappearing from online accounts with no explanation.
They have advised applicants to file work authorisation renewals as early as possible and have cautioned against international travel.
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