The Trump administration has suspended the processing of certain green card applications as part of a broader immigration vetting effort, including increased scrutiny of approved refugees, according to CBS News.
Individuals seeking lawful permanent residency in the United States must apply through the Adjustment of Status process, which allows eligible noncitizens already in the country to transition from a temporary status to Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status without leaving the U.S.
According to sources cited by CBS News, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has directed its officials to halt the processing of legal permanent residency requests for refugees and asylum-seeking immigrants. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that the pause is necessary to comply with Executive Orders issued by President Trump.
One of Trump’s early executive actions focused on national security and public safety, stating that U.S. immigration policies must prevent individuals who pose security risks from entering the country. The order emphasized the need for rigorous screening to ensure that foreign nationals admitted to the U.S. do not support terrorism, pose security threats, or hold hostile views toward American values, institutions, and interests.
The executive order instructed the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence to maximize vetting efforts for all individuals seeking admission to the U.S., particularly those from regions deemed high-risk. It also mandated cooperation with foreign governments to verify identities and assess whether applicants could pose security concerns.
Additionally, the order called for the re-establishment of uniform screening and vetting procedures consistent with those in place as of January 19, 2021. Trump also directed officials to review all visa programs to ensure they are not exploited by foreign entities or individuals to undermine the security, economy, or other interests of the United States.
