On Dec. 2, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
halted all immigration applications submitted by nationals from 19
countries following the shooting of two National Guard members in
Washington, D.C.
The move affects submissions by people from Afghanistan, Iran,
Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen [MBT], Venezuela, Cuba and other
countries under travel bans or restrictions. The halt and
re-adjudication of immigrant benefits from these countries affects
all legal immigration processes. Cases can still be filed, but
slowdowns will occur as government resources are shifted.
Litigation is anticipated on this substantive change to benefits
within the U.S., given that legislation is the customary
process.
