Washington: The Trump administration has quietly halted the processing of green cards for certain applicants, including those already approved as refugees, as part of a broader initiative to bolster immigrant screening efforts.
According to Anadolu Agency, multiple anonymous sources reported that the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently instructed officials to stop processing residency applications from individuals granted refugee or asylum status. This action aligns with President Donald Trump's executive order on Jan. 20, titled "Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats," which mandates agencies to maximize the vetting and screening of all aliens who seek to enter or are already in the United States, especially those from regions with identified security risks.
A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security confirmed a "temporary pause" on finalizing certain adjustment of status applications, pending additional screening and vetting. This adds complexity to the already rigorous process for refugees and asylees. Laura Collins of the Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative explained to CBS News that applicants must provide extensive documentation, despite having previous government approval.
Trump's policies echo his first term's approach, where he directed USCIS to scrutinize every application thoroughly, which disrupted agency operations, as noted by Collins. Between 2016 and 2020, spending on vetting increased significantly from $53 million to $149 million, according to the Migration Policy Institute (MPI), a think tank supporting both enforcement and a pathway to citizenship.
Additionally, the Trump administration recently issued a directive for more than half a million migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to self-deport within 30 days or face deportation due to concerns over "loosely vetted" claims and potential fraud. The administration is also intensifying social media scrutiny for immigrants applying for legal status. Earlier this month, the USCIS announced that such measures are necessary for "enhanced identity verification, vetting, and national security screening."