U.S. orders green-card review for 19 nations
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has launched a "full-scale, rigorous" reexamination of green cards and immigration applications from 19 "countries of concern" identified in a June 4 proclamation, applying full restrictions to Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen, and limited entry rules for Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. The review — announced after the D.C. shooting and described by USCIS Director Joseph Edlow as necessary because "American safety is non negotiable" — included an immediate suspension of all immigration applications from Afghan nationals.
📌 Key Facts
- On Nov. 27 USCIS Director Joseph Edlow said the agency is conducting a "full-scale, rigorous reexamination" of every green card from "every country of concern," adding, "The protection of this country and of the American people remains paramount... American safety is non negotiable."
- USCIS pointed to a June 4 proclamation to define 19 "countries of concern" and issued guidance the same day signaling tougher scrutiny for applicants from those high‑risk countries when seeking immigration benefits.
- USCIS enumerated the 19 countries, with full restrictions/limits for Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen; and partial/limited entry for Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.
- USCIS confirmed it suspended all immigration applications from Afghan nationals with immediate effect on the night of the D.C. shooting.
- The broad reexamination order and other immigration measures were announced after authorities identified the D.C. shooting suspect as an Afghan national.
- According to an AP memo cited by PBS, a separate refugee-case review was already in motion before the D.C. shooting, indicating some reviews predated the attack.
📊 Relevant Data
Between 2021 and May 2023, the Terrorist Screening Center identified 55 Afghan evacuees who were either already on the terrorist watchlist or had information that warranted placement on the watchlist.
Audit of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Participation in the Department of Homeland Security's Operation Allies Welcome — Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department of Justice
In October 2024, Afghan national Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi was arrested for plotting an ISIS-inspired terrorist attack on Election Day in the United States, and he pleaded guilty in 2025.
Afghan National Pleads Guilty to Plotting Election Day Terror Attack in the United States — U.S. Department of Justice
In FY2023, Myanmar had a visa overstay rate of 27.07% for B1/B2 visa holders and 42.17% for F/M/J visa holders.
Entry/Exit Overstay Report — U.S. Department of Homeland Security
In FY2023, Haiti had a visa overstay rate of 31.38% for B1/B2 visa holders and 25.05% for F/M/J visa holders.
Entry/Exit Overstay Report — U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Immigrants are significantly less likely to commit crimes than U.S.-born citizens, with research showing lower crime rates among immigrants at national, state, and local levels.
Explainer: Immigrants and Crime in the United States — Migration Policy Institute
📰 Sources (4)
- Edlow said on Nov. 27 USCIS is conducting a 'full scale, rigorous reexamination' of every green card from 'every country of concern' and declared 'American safety is non negotiable.'
- USCIS issued new guidance the same day signaling tougher scrutiny for applicants from 19 'high‑risk' countries when seeking immigration benefits.
- Reiterates USCIS is reexamining green card applications for people from countries deemed 'of concern' as part of the week’s measures.
- Adds AP’s memo detail that a refugee-case review was in motion before the shooting.
- USCIS pointed to the June 4 proclamation to define the 19 'countries of concern' and enumerated them: full restrictions/limits for Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen; partial/limited entry for Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
- USCIS confirmed it suspended all immigration applications from Afghan nationals with immediate effect on the night of the D.C. shooting.
- Direct quote from USCIS Director Joseph Edlow on X: 'The protection of this country and of the American people remains paramount... American safety is non negotiable.'
- Context reaffirmed: The order followed identification of the D.C. shooting suspect as an Afghan national; review is described as a 'full scale, rigorous reexamination of every Green Card' from countries of concern.