Washington, DC – The US Department of Homeland Security announced Tuesday the suspension of all immigration applications from 19 countries deemed high-risk by the US administration. This comes after the recent attack in Washington, DC, which was likely carried out by an Afghan national.
This decision includes citizens of 12 countries whose travel to the United States has been banned since last June. Seven more countries were recently added to the high-risk list. The immigration memo emphasized that this measure is temporary and aims to allow for a thorough review of applications and an assessment of potential security risks.
This measure comes as part of the US administration’s efforts to bolster national security. It follows a series of incidents that have raised concerns about the safety of citizens and residents in the United States. Experts indicate that the decision could affect thousands of immigration applicants, including students, professionals, and family members. It also reignites the debate surrounding the balance between security and human rights.
The Department of Homeland Security also noted that it will continue coordinating with the State Department and embassies in the countries concerned to ensure clarity in the procedures. It aims to communicate with those affected. The department emphasized that suspending applications does not mean a permanent rejection of applicants, but rather a comprehensive reassessment of files according to national security standards.
This move reflects the Trump administration’s continued policy of tightening immigration restrictions over security concerns. Recent months have seen significant changes to travel and immigration laws, sparking widespread controversy both within the United States and internationally.
