Green Card FAQs: What can applicants do amid Trump pause?
ByHT News Desk
Mar 26, 2025 09:02 PM IST
This decision creates legal uncertainty for thousands and aligns with Trump's executive orders aimed at stricter immigration scrutiny.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has suspended the processing of green cards for certain refugees and asylees, citing the need for "additional screening and vetting." This move has left thousands of individuals in legal uncertainty as they await a resolution to their status in the US, as reported by the Economic Times.
Green card processing for some refugees and asylees has been halted by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which cited the need for "additional screening and vetting." (AP)
Green card processing for some refugees and asylees has been halted by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which cited the need for "additional screening and vetting." (AP)
Why has DHS halted Green Card applications?
The pause on green card applications is part of a broader effort by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to conduct more thorough screening and fraud detection. DHS maintains that this action is in line with two executive orders issued under former President Donald Trump, which mandate heightened scrutiny for applicants, particularly from high-risk regions, as reported by MSN.
Despite refugees being rigorously screened overseas and asylees undergoing strict legal procedures, DHS argues that further investigations are necessary to prevent fraud and safeguard national security.
Who is affected by the Green Card pause?
The suspension impacts various immigrant groups, including:
*Afghan evacuees who arrived following the US withdrawal in 2021.
*Asylum seekers who have been granted refuge after proving a credible fear of persecution.
*Refugees who have undergone multiple rounds of interviews, medical exams, and background checks.
Why was this decision made?
The decision aligns with two of Trump’s executive orders: one focused on expanding screening for refugees and asylum seekers, and the other enabling federal authorities to classify certain international gangs as terrorist organizations, complicating the immigration process further.
DHS asserts that these actions are necessary to "avoid threats to public safety and national security" by increasing vetting.
What are the consequences for refugees and asylees?
The pause on green card processing brings significant challenges, including:
*Restrictions on Employment and Travel: Without a green card, refugees and asylees may face limitations on employment and the ability to travel outside the US.
*Family Separation: Delays in family reunification could keep loved ones apart for extended periods.
*Increased Vulnerability: Without permanent residency, individuals remain at risk of deportation if immigration laws change.
This action reflects the Trump administration's broader immigration strategy, which has emphasized stricter vetting and limitations on humanitarian programs. Under Trump’s policies, programs like Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and family reunification petitions could face similar scrutiny or delays.
Will other immigration initiatives be affected?
The green card suspension complicates the US immigration system, leading to longer wait times, uncertainty, and increased vulnerability to changing policies. Refugees and asylees face an even more convoluted path to permanent residency.
There is currently no formal process for appealing the green card suspension.
What should applicants do next?
Impacted individuals are advised to:
*Maintain Legal Status: Ensure all immigration documents remain valid to avoid legal complications.
*Seek Legal Counsel: Consult with immigration attorneys to explore options or clarify legal challenges.
*Stay Updated: Monitor DHS policy changes and potential court decisions that could impact their cases.
The administration could reverse the green card suspension through new executive orders or modifications to DHS guidelines. However, the backlog created by this pause may delay the resumption of regular green card processing.
The suspension of green card processing underscores the complexities of the US immigration system, leaving thousands of vulnerable individuals in a state of uncertainty. With heightened security concerns and prolonged screening procedures, the future of asylees and refugees in the US remains unclear, as they await a resolution that could take months or even years.
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