President Donald Trump has ordered a pause on immigration applications from 19 non-European countries deemed “high-risk,” following a shooting in Washington involving an Afghan national.

The suspension affects green card and citizenship requests, extending existing travel bans. Nations impacted include Afghanistan, Somalia, Chad, Congo, Eritrea, Libya, Sudan, Myanmar, Haiti, Iran, Yemen, Cuba, Laos, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. USCIS announced pending applications will undergo re-review to assess national security threats, with a prioritized list created within 90 days for possible referral to enforcement agencies.

Immigration lawyers reported canceled naturalization ceremonies and interviews without explanation. Analysts warn the move signals further tightening of immigration rules, as asylum decisions and Afghan visas have also been halted. The administration is intensifying scrutiny of immigrants already in the U.S. and those seeking entry.