The USA has suspended the issuance of visas and green cards to citizens of 19 countries

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has suspended the processing of all immigration applications from citizens of 19 countries that Washington considers a threat to national security.

The restrictions will affect countries predominantly located in the Middle East and Africa: Iran, Sudan, Libya, Eritrea, Haiti, Somalia, Yemen, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Chad, Togo, Sierra Leone, Equatorial Guinea, Burundi, the Republic of Congo, Myanmar, Laos, Cuba, and Venezuela.

As noted by American media, these measures were taken by the Trump administration in response to a shooting near the White House in Washington on November 26, 2025. At that time, Afghan citizen Rahmanullah Lakanwal opened fire on two U.S. National Guard soldiers, one of whom died in the hospital, while the other remains in serious condition. Reportedly, he received refugee status in April of this year.

An official statement from the U.S. government emphasized that the incident highlights the need for stricter immigration control. However, experts criticized this approach, calling it part of Donald Trump’s new immigration policy.

It is noted that after returning to power in January 2025, Donald Trump resumed a course towards tightening immigration policy, and the current decisions are seen as a consistent fulfillment of his promises.

Media reports indicate that following the attack on American soldiers, U.S. authorities have further intensified restrictions for migrants, especially for citizens of Afghanistan.

It remains unclear whether the suspension of application processing is a temporary measure and how long it will last. According to representatives of the U.S. administration, the review of immigration policy and assessment of potential threats are ongoing.