On November 28, 2025, just one day after two National Guard members were shot in Washington, D.C., President Donald Trump announced a sweeping plan to “permanently pause migration from all third world countries.” The suspect in the attack was identified as an Afghan national, and within hours the administration moved to justify broad national-security actions across multiple immigration categories.

In a forceful Truth Social post that same day, the President vowed to terminate millions of immigration cases approved under the prior administration and deport noncitizens deemed security risks, public charges, or—using his own phrasing—“non-compatible with Western civilization.”  

Within 24–48 hours, major national news organizations documented rapid changes within DHS and USCIS. First, USCIS halted all asylum decisions nationwide, a freeze confirmed directly by the agency and widely reported by Reuters. DHS also paused visa processing for Afghan nationals pending enhanced security vetting. In addition, USCIS Director Joseph Edlow stated that officers have been directed to implement increased security screening for nationals of designated high-risk countries, which multiple outlets report to include nineteen nations across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.  

The 19 Countries Identified for Heightened Review

Although the administration has not released an official list, multiple independent national outlets have confirmed that nationals of the following countries are under intensified scrutiny:

Afghanistan,

Iran,

Iraq,

Syria,

Yemen,

Somalia,

Sudan,

South Sudan,

Libya,

Lebanon,

Pakistan,

Nigeria,

Eritrea,

Ethiopia,

Mali,

Mauritania,

Cameroon,

the Democratic Republic of Congo,

and Haiti.

This list is wider than any previous “travel ban” classification and appears to affect all immigration categories, including family-based petitions, employment visas, adjustment of status, asylum and humanitarian relief, visa renewals, and even the review of previously approved immigration benefits.

Some reports indicate that USCIS officers are being asked to re-examine older approvals for individuals from these countries—raising the possibility of post-approval review, revocation proceedings, or broader denaturalization actions.

The Rise of “Reverse Migration” in Presidential Rhetoric

One of the most troubling recent developments is the President’s public use of terms such as “reverse immigration” and “reverse migration.” These phrases have no established meaning in U.S. immigration law. Instead, they originate from far-right European political rhetoric that calls for reducing foreign-born populations — including individuals with lawful status. Major outlets including The Washington Post and Time have noted that this terminology marks a significant shift from traditional U.S. immigration discourse.

In international contexts, “reverse migration” rhetoric has often been associated with measures such as:

• broad re-evaluation of previously approved immigration benefits,

• long-term visa or green card revocations,

• pressuring lawful residents to depart voluntarily, and

• restricting pathways to permanent residency or citizenship for targeted nationalities.

Trump’s recent pledge to “terminate millions of cases” — a statement widely reported by Reuters — combined with heightened scrutiny of applicants from the nineteen reported “high-risk” countries, has raised legitimate concerns among legal analysts that the administration may be moving toward more retroactive, expansive reviews of existing immigration statuses.

To be clear, no formal policy has been issued authorizing broad revocation of green cards or citizenship. However, reporting from outlets such as Reuters and Axios indicates that the Department of Justice circulated internal guidance in 2025 identifying denaturalization-related actions as an enforcement priority in certain cases. While limited in scope, these developments contribute to growing uncertainty about how presidential rhetoric may shape future enforcement practices.

Is This Legal? A Constitutional and Practical Assessment

A formal “permanent pause” based on broad nationality categories would raise serious legal questions under the Equal Protection Clause, Due Process Clause, and the non-discrimination provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Courts may ultimately block parts of these efforts.However, from a practical standpoint, immediate and far-reaching impacts do not require a formal order. As seen through the asylum freeze and the sudden changes in adjudication procedures, the administration can functionally restrict legal immigration through:

• Administrative stalling,

• Security-based re-review,

• Delayed interview scheduling,

• Quiet case “holds,”

• Consular appointment reductions,

• Increased Requests for Evidence or Notices of Intent to Deny,

• Retroactive review of previously approved benefits, and

• Expedited revocation or denaturalization proceedings.

These measures can effectively freeze immigration, reshape priorities, and destabilize long-settled families—even before courts have the chance to intervene.

What Immigrants Should Do Now

Given the rapidly unfolding policy landscape, individuals seeking to file or maintain immigration benefits should proceed strategically and without delay. Filing as early as possible may preserve options that could narrow or disappear under new restrictions.

Applicants with prior overstays, gaps in status, or entries under the Visa Waiver Program should seek a legal evaluation immediately, particularly if they are nationals of one of the 19 flagged countries. Maintaining lawful status is essential. Even small lapses can now trigger reviews that were historically uncommon.

Applicants preparing for interviews should consult with counsel to understand the risks, including heightened scrutiny and potential new lines of questioning. Strong, well-documented applications will be critical as adjudicators review cases with more discretion and security sensitivity.

Finally, securing experienced immigration counsel is crucial. Representation may be the difference between approval, denial, or unexpected enforcement—particularly as agencies revisit previously approved cases or consider denaturalization actions.

Why Trusted Legal Counsel Matters More Than Ever

At the Law Offices of Sabrina Li, P.C., we understand how destabilizing these developments are for immigrant families. Legal immigration is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in decades, and what was routine only a year ago may now require complex advocacy and rapid legal intervention.

Our team monitors policy changes in real time and stands ready to assist with filings, agency inquiries, revocations, removal defense, and federal litigation when necessary. If you or a loved one has a pending application—or needs to file soon—do not wait for additional restrictions or unexpected enforcement actions.

Call us now at 213-375-8096 or email info@sabrinali.law for competent and proactive representation. We are here to protect your rights, your stability, and your family’s future.