The United States Installs a Complete Ban for Nationals of 19 Countries — What It Means for Immigrants

The United States Installs a Complete Ban for Nationals of 19 Countries — What It Means for Immigrants

By  NYC Immigration Lawyer  Alena Shautsova, Esq.
Contact: 917-885-2261

What just happened: Overview of the new ban

On December 2, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) received internal guidance suspending — for now — all immigration applications filed by individuals from 19 designated countries. This includes not only visa and green-card applications, but even citizenship (naturalization) processing and oath ceremonies for lawful permanent residents originally from those countries.

The freeze comes in the context of what the government describes as growing national-security and public-safety concerns. The new policy builds on an earlier 2025 travel ban, Proclamation 10949, signed June 4 and effective June 9, 2025 — which already barred or restricted entry for citizens of certain countries.

Under the new guidance:

• All “final adjudication” (approvals or denials) for any immigration benefit for nationals of those 19 countries is paused.
• Oath ceremonies for applicants about to become U.S. citizens have been indefinitely postponed.
• USCIS is implementing a “re-review” and therefore may require additional vetting — interviews, re-interviews, background checks — even for cases that were previously approved under prior administrations.

The 19 travel ban countries include Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.

What this means in practice: even immigrants with longstanding legal permanent resident status or pending naturalization — who have lived and worked in the U.S. for years — may see their cases delayed, re-examined, or even denied as part of this sweep. The ban affects all immigrant and non-immigrant applications and petitions.

Why this ban now — the official justification

According to the government, the freeze on immigration applications is a response to a deadly incident in Washington, D.C., involving two members of the National Guard. The suspect in that shooting was reportedly an Afghan national who had previously been admitted to the U.S. under a humanitarian resettlement program, received asylum, and had a green card.

In light of that event, the administration argues it must “re-assess all immigration benefits granted to individuals from countries of concern” to safeguard national security.

The government has not provided full transparency on what metrics or criteria will be used during the “re-review” process, raising serious concerns among immigrant communities and advocates.

What this means for immigrants 

Here are the key implications:

1. Long delays — possibly indefinite
   • Even previously accepted green-card applications or citizenship petitions are now paused. Cases may linger months or years longer.
   • Oath ceremonies cancelled or postponed — meaning people expecting to take their citizenship oath suddenly find themselves in limbo.
2. Uncertainty and retraumatization
   • Clients from among the 19 countries (or with origins from them) who thought their immigration processes were nearly complete may now lose status or see them threatened.
   • Asylum seekers, applicants for adjustment of status, or humanitarian applicants may never get adjudicated.
3. Heightened vetting — risk of denial or re-adjudication
   • Even cases previously approved under prior administrations may be reopened for “security re-review.” Some may result in denials or revocations.
   • This adds a chilling effect — law-abiding immigrants are viewed under suspicion because of their nationality, not individual conduct.
4. Collateral damage beyond new arrivals
   • This is not just about new immigration — it targets long-resident immigrants, naturalization candidates, even families already living in the U.S. legally.
   • Employers, communities, children — many people’s lives may be disrupted due to their relative’s nationality.

For many immigrants who may have family members in the affected countries, or those fearful about future travel or immigration routes — this development illustrates how unpredictable immigration policy has become.

Legal, practical, and strategic considerations for immigrants and attorneys

Given the severity of the freeze, here are strategic steps immigrants and their attorneys should consider:

1. Audit existing filings immediately
   • Review any pending applications (I-485, I-130, I-765, naturalization, asylum, etc.) submitted by nationals from any affected country.
   • Notify clients (for attorneys) that their cases may be paused or subject to re-review. Ensure they avoid making plans based on assumed approval (resignation from jobs, relocation, etc.).
2. Prepare for re-interviews and vetting
   • Gather updated documentation: any employment records, travel history, character references, proof of continuous U.S. residence, proof of community ties, etc.
   • Be ready to rebut any vague security concerns with strong, verifiable evidence: no criminal history; proof of integration; community involvement; tax records; employment; schooling; family.
3. Inform and manage client expectations — especially around naturalization and citizenship
   • Explain that even long-time green-card holders may face delays.
   • Consider alternative strategies if naturalization is blocked (though options may be limited).
4. Explore legal challenges where appropriate
   • Given past litigation over nationality-based bans (and partial success in courts), there may be grounds to challenge blanket suspensions or denials — especially for long-resident or long-pending cases, or for procedural due process violations.
   • Advocacy and public interest litigation may be relevant, particularly if USCIS fails to provide individualized review or transparent criteria.
5. Consider humanitarian or alternative immigration pathways (if viable)
   • The government may offer some humanitarian exceptions (not currently discussed, however). In such cases, attorneys and clients shall gather documents in favor of equities and possible humanitarian reliefs.

The broader implications — what this signals about U.S. immigration policy and why Russian-speaking immigrants should care

• Nationality-based policies are back in force: Unlike previous decades where criminal history or individual risk served as grounds for denial, nationality itself has become a proxy for “risk.” That means even well-qualified individuals — high earners, well-integrated professionals — may be barred simply because their country is on a list.
• Humanitarian and asylum applicants are at greater risk: Given the administration’s re-examination of all immigration benefits for 19 countries, those fleeing war, persecution, or instability may find once-available safe pathways cut off without individual consideration.
• Family unity and long-term planning are under threat: Many immigrants plan to bring family members to the U.S., or have relatives abroad whom they expect to sponsor later. The freeze (and possibility of expansion) puts such plans at risk, undermining hope and stability.
• Trust in the system is shaken: Clients may feel misled, traumatized, or betrayed. Even long-term lawful residents may fear revocation or denial. The unpredictability elevates stress and decreases trust — which may deter some from pursuing legal immigration at all.

For immigrants who are from countries not currently on the list, this new policy should serve as a sobering warning — but also a call to act wisely. Legal representation, timely action, and careful planning are now more important than ever. Note that the government already announced plans to add to the list of banned countries!

At this critical moment, the role of a dedicated and experienced attorney becomes more vital. Here is how we can support our clients and potential clients:

• Provide accurate, up-to-date legal assessments: Review existing case status, advise about likely delays or risk of denial, and recommend precautionary steps — especially for clients from affected countries.
• Help prepare for new rounds of vetting: Collect evidence, documentation, and credible testimony to support clients’ good moral character, U.S. ties, family and community integration, employment history, absence of criminal record, and stability.
• Explore alternative immigration and relief options: For clients barred under the ban, help identify any other viable paths — humanitarian options, work visas, adjustments under other statutes, or family-based petitions where possible.
• Advocate for clients’ rights: Challenge blanket or nationality-based denials, push for transparent and individualized review, and, if necessary, launch litigation or assist in class-action efforts to protect immigrants from sweeping and indiscriminate bans.
• Provide empathetic support and clear communication: Many immigrants are already living in fear and uncertainty. Offering compassionate guidance, realistic expectations, and a steady legal hand can make a crucial difference — especially for families with children, individuals awaiting citizenship, or clients relying on USCIS adjudications to maintain work authorization and lawful status.

The new ban on nationals of 19 countries — and the freeze on immigration benefits across the board — is a watershed moment in U.S. immigration policy. For many immigrants, especially from vulnerable countries or war-torn regions, the doors may be closing fast. For those already inside the United States, the path to citizenship or a stable legal status has become unpredictable.

As an immigration attorney focused on justice, fairness, and protecting clients’ rights, this moment calls for vigilance, strategic planning, and unwavering advocacy. If you — or your relatives, friends, or colleagues — come from a country on the 19-nation list, or have family members abroad, now is the time to act, review your case, and plan carefully.

At Shautsova Law, I’m ready to help you — whether that means reviewing your case, preparing for re-interview, seeking alternative options, or exploring legal challenges. Don’t let nationality become the barrier that destroys your American dream. Contact me today at 917-885-2261 to schedule your consultation.