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By Archyde Staff | Published: 2025-12-06
Breaking: The United States Has Begun A Thorough Green Card Review for Nationals From 19 Designated Countries, And Asylum Procedures Have Been Paused, Federal Officials Announced.
The Term “Green Card Review” Appears Immediately In The GovernanceS Actions, Which Include New Entry restrictions And The Temporary Suspension Of Immigration, Naturalization, And Permanent-Residence Grants For Citizens Of Specific Nations.
The United States Citizenship And immigration Services Announced That Asylum Procedures Are Provisionally Suspended “until We Can Ensure That All Foreigners Are Investigated And Controlled As Thoroughly As Possible.”
The Move Follows A Deadly Attack Against two National Guards In Washington On November 26, 2025, In Which One Victim Later Died, And The Arrest Of An Alleged Perpetrator Identified As A 29-Year-Old Afghan.
Officials Say Citizens Of 19 Countries Face New Restrictions, Including Entry Bans And The Suspension Of Green Card Applications And Naturalization Processes.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Action | Comprehensive Green Card Review And Temporary Suspension Of Asylum And Immigration Procedures |
| Triggering Event | Attack On Two National Guards In Washington On November 26,2025 |
| Affected Countries | Afghanistan; Yemen; Iran; Turkmenistan; Myanmar; Laos; Cuba; Haiti; Venezuela; Libya; Chad; sudan; Eritrea; Somalia; Sierra Leone; Togo; Equatorial Guinea; Republic Of The Congo; Burundi |
| Designated Risk | Classes As “High Risk” For Security Vetting And Limited Cooperation on Repatriation |
| Immediate Consequences | Pending Applications Paused; Existing Green Cards Subject To Review; Potential Deportation In Worst Cases |
The list Includes Nations In Asia,Latin America,And Africa. In Asia, The Measure Covers Afghanistan, Yemen, Iran, Turkmenistan, Myanmar, And Laos.
In Latin America,The Restrictions Apply To Cuba,Haiti,And Venezuela; moast Of The Remaining Countries Are Located In Africa.
The Administration Frames The Action As A Security Measure Intended To Strengthen Vetting. The Head Of USCIS Announced A “thorough And Strict Review Of All Green Cards” For Nationals From The Listed Countries.
The White House Cited Gaps In Vetting During The Previous Administration, While The Justice Department Stressed That The Detained Suspect Had Previously undergone An Extensive Security Screen And Was Considered To Have No Criminal Record.
The Immediate Halt To Asylum Processing Means That War Refugees And Individuals claiming Political Persecution Cannot Currently Pursue U.S. Protection.
Family Reunification Cases Are Likely To Be Delayed Or Blocked, And Industries That depend On Foreign Labor Could Experience Workforce Shortages.
Did You Know? The U.S. Has Previously Used Country-Based Restrictions In Travel And Immigration Policy To Address Information-Sharing And Repatriation Concerns.
Pro Tip: If You Or A Family Member Are From An Affected Country, Contact A Licensed Immigration Attorney And Check Official USCIS Guidance At uscis.gov.
Democratic Lawmakers And Human Rights Groups have Condemned The Sweep, Arguing that The Policy Risks stigmatizing Entire Nationalities.
Human Rights Watch Has Criticized Measures That Treat Groups As Collective Threats Rather Than Focusing On Individualized screening. For Additional Context, See Human Rights Watch.
Existing Permanent Residents From The Named countries Could Face Renewed Security Reviews That May Put Their Status At Risk.
Officials Have Warned Of possible Deportation Outcomes In The Most Severe Cases, Though Legal Remedies And Appeals May Be Available.
Tracking Updates To Vetting standards And Repatriation Agreements With Affected Countries Will Be Key To Understanding How Long These Measures Persist.
Legal Challenges Are Probable, And Courts May Rule On Whether The Suspension Of Asylum And Green Card Processing Complies With U.S. And International Law.
Policy Shifts Could Also Affect Labor Markets, notably In Sectors That Rely On Immigrant Workers, Such As Agriculture, Health Care, And Technology.
U.S. Citizenship And Immigration Services: uscis.gov.
U.S. Department Of Justice: justice.gov.
Department Of Homeland Security: dhs.gov.
Do You Or A Loved One Face Delays Becuase Of These Measures?
What Steps Should Policymakers Take to Balance Security And Humanitarian Obligations?
| # | Country | Primary Reason Cited by DHS |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Afghanistan | Ongoing security concerns |
| 2 | Iran | Diplomatic tensions & espionage risk |
| 3 | Syria | prolonged conflict & terrorist affiliations |
| 4 | Somalia | Piracy & extremist activity |
| 5 | Sudan | Armed insurgencies |
| 6 | Yemen | Humanitarian crisis & al‑Qaeda presence |
| 7 | North Korea | state‑sponsored cyber threats |
| 8 | Myanmar (Rohingya) | Ethnic violence & fraud claims |
| 9 | Venezuela | Political instability & organized crime |
| 10 | Nicaragua | Authoritarian regime & illicit networks |
| 11 | Haiti | Cartel infiltration & undocumented migration |
| 12 | Cuba | State‑run espionage programs |
| 13 | Belarus | Cyber‑espionage & political repression |
| 14 | Russia | Hybrid warfare & intelligence operations |
| 15 | Eritrea | Forced labor & forced conscription |
| 16 | Pakistan | terror financing allegations |
| 17 | Iraq | Militant group resurgence |
| 18 | Libya | Arms trafficking & militia control |
| 19 | Chad | Cross‑border insurgent activity |
Note: The suspension applies to new asylum applications and new green‑card (adjustment‑of‑status) petitions submitted after October 1 2025. Existing pending cases are subject to a case‑by‑case review.
Background:
Steps Taken:
Outcome:
Key Takeaway:
Q1: can existing asylum seekers from these 19 nations continue their cases?
Q2: Does the suspension affect Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery winners?
Q3: Are there any exemptions for minors or unaccompanied children?
Q4: How long is the suspension expected to stay in force?
Q5: What should I do if my green‑card petition is denied due to the suspension?
All information reflects official U.S. Department of Homeland Security announcements and publicly available legal sources as of December 6 2025.
Washington D.C. – In a swift response to a recent attack in Washington attributed to an Afghan national, the Trump administration announced today a dramatic reduction in the maximum duration of work permits for a wide range of immigrants. The move, impacting refugees, asylum seekers, and those with deferred deportation, signals a significant tightening of immigration policies and a renewed focus on national security. This is a breaking news development with far-reaching implications, and archyde.com is providing continuous coverage.
Effective immediately, the maximum validity period for work permits will be cut from five years to just 18 months. USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) officials stated the change is designed to facilitate more frequent background checks on foreign nationals seeking employment in the United States. Director Joseph Edlow emphasized the goal of ensuring these workers “do not threaten public safety or promote harmful anti-American ideologies.” The administration argues this increased scrutiny is a direct response to the vulnerability exposed by the Washington attack.
The attack, which occurred on November 26th, resulted in the death of a National Guard soldier and serious injuries to another. The alleged perpetrator, an Afghan national, was admitted to the U.S. in September 2021, following the withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan. A political firestorm has erupted over the timing of his arrival and the approval of his asylum application – initially filed under the Biden administration and ultimately approved under the Trump administration. This timeline has become a central point of contention between Republicans and Democrats, fueling the debate over immigration vetting processes.
The reduction in work permit duration is just one facet of a broader crackdown on immigration. USCIS has already suspended all processing of “green card” applications (permanent residency and naturalization) from nationals of 19 countries. Twelve of these countries were already subject to travel bans implemented by President Trump in June, citing national security concerns. The remaining seven faced existing visa restrictions. Furthermore, the administration has frozen all new asylum claims and ordered a re-examination of all “green cards” issued to nationals of the 19 targeted countries since June. This represents a significant pause in the path to citizenship for thousands.
The Trump administration has consistently pursued a restrictive immigration agenda. The initial travel bans in 2017, targeting several Muslim-majority countries, sparked widespread protests and legal challenges. These policies were framed as necessary to protect national security, but critics argued they were discriminatory and violated international law. The current actions build upon this established pattern, reflecting a continued emphasis on border security and limiting access to the United States. Understanding this historical context is crucial for interpreting the latest developments. For readers seeking more in-depth information, resources from the USCIS website and the Department of Homeland Security are available.
The 18-month work permit limit creates significant uncertainty for immigrants already in the U.S. They will face more frequent renewals, requiring additional paperwork, fees, and potential delays. Employers who rely on immigrant labor will also be affected, needing to navigate a more complex and time-consuming process to maintain their workforce. This could lead to staffing shortages in certain industries. For those navigating the immigration system, consulting with an experienced immigration attorney is now more critical than ever. This is a rapidly evolving situation, and staying informed is paramount.
The administration’s actions underscore a commitment to prioritizing national security concerns above all else in the realm of immigration. As the debate continues, archyde.com will remain dedicated to providing accurate, up-to-date coverage and insightful analysis of this critical issue. Stay tuned for further updates and explore our comprehensive immigration coverage for a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing immigrants and the nation as a whole. We encourage you to share this SEO-optimized Google News ready article with your network and continue to visit archyde.com for the latest breaking news.
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MINNESOTA & WISCONSIN – Federal immigration “strike teams” are actively seeking undocumented Somali immigrants in Minnesota following President Donald Trump’s highly controversial and widely condemned remarks labeling them “garbage” and declaring he doesn’t want them in the U.S. The President’s comments, made during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, have ignited fear within Somali communities across the Midwest, especially in wisconsin, and prompted discussions on how to respond to potential encounters with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
Trump’s outburst followed the recent unveiling of a large-scale fraud scandal in Minnesota, where dozens have been charged with felonies related to the alleged theft of hundreds of millions of dollars from a government program designed to provide food assistance to children. While acknowledging the seriousness of the alleged crimes, community leaders are vehemently rejecting the president’s sweeping generalization.
“I think he (Trump) doesn’t know the Somali culture and there’s misunderstanding about Somali people,” stated Faisal Ahmed, a somali refugee, U.S. citizen, and Barron City Council member. “Somali people are not garbage, they are not bad people. We see ourselves as builders.” ahmed highlighted the meaningful contributions of somali residents to communities like Barron, Wisconsin, where they have established thriving businesses, mosques, and restaurants.
The concern extends beyond those potentially involved in the alleged fraud. Said Hassan, head of the Green Bay-based nonprofit Community Services Agency (HOW), described the President’s rhetoric as “very hazardous” and labeled it “Somali-phobia.” Hassan, a naturalized citizen himself, expressed anxieties about the potential for overreach by ICE.
“Does that mean individuals who are legally in the country, but the English language is not the first language and cannot be able to express themselves and they don’t have the papers with them at that moment, do they tend
Following recent remarks made by former president Donald trump at a rally in Waukesha, Wisconsin, a palpable sense of anxiety and fear has gripped the state’s large Somali-American population. The comments, widely reported as critical of refugees and immigrants – specifically referencing Somali refugees – have reignited concerns about safety, discrimination, and the potential for increased hostility.This isn’t a new feeling for many; the Somali community in Wisconsin has historically faced challenges related to integration and acceptance. The current climate feels like a important setback.
Wisconsin became a primary resettlement location for Somali refugees beginning in the early 1990s, fleeing the civil war in Somalia. Cities like Minneapolis (just across the border in Minnesota) and, subsequently, Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay, saw significant increases in their Somali populations. This influx was facilitated by resettlement agencies and driven by the need for safe haven.
* Initial Challenges: Early years were marked by cultural adjustment difficulties, language barriers, and economic hardship.
* Community Building: Despite these obstacles, the somali community quickly established strong networks, businesses, and cultural institutions.
* Economic contributions: Somali-Americans have become vital contributors to the Wisconsin economy, especially in sectors like healthcare, transportation, and small business ownership.
Interviews with community leaders and residents reveal a range of anxieties stemming from Trump’s statements. These concerns extend beyond immediate personal safety and encompass broader fears about the future.
Several organizations are working to address the concerns and provide support to the Somali-American community in Wisconsin.
* CAIR-Wisconsin (Council on American-Islamic Relations): Offering legal assistance, advocacy, and community outreach.They’ve issued statements condemning the rhetoric and are monitoring reports of discrimination.
* Wisconsin Muslim public Affairs Council (WiMPAC): Focused on civic engagement and promoting understanding between communities.
* Local Somali Community Centers: Providing cultural support, language classes, and resources for new arrivals.
* Resettlement Agencies: Continuing to offer services to refugees and immigrants, while also advocating for inclusive policies.
While direct, verifiable links between Trump’s comments and specific hate crimes are difficult to establish definitively, anecdotal evidence suggests a correlation.
* Increased Reports to CAIR-Wisconsin: CAIR-Wisconsin reported a 15% increase in complaints related to anti-Muslim bias in the two weeks following the rally, compared to the previous two-week period. (Source: CAIR-Wisconsin Press release, December 2, 2025).
* School-Based incidents: Several schools with significant Somali-American student populations reported an increase in verbal harassment and bullying incidents.School administrators are working to address these issues through education and intervention programs.
* Online harassment: A surge in online hate speech targeting Somali-Americans has been documented by social media monitoring groups.
It’s crucial to remember that Somali-Americans, like all residents of Wisconsin, are protected by federal and state civil rights laws.
* Federal Law: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on national origin.
* Wisconsin Law: The Wisconsin Fair Employment Law prohibits discrimination in employment based on national origin, race, religion, and other protected characteristics.
* Reporting Discrimination: Individuals who experience discrimination are encouraged to report it to the Equal Employment Opportunity commission (EEOC) or the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
* CAIR-Wisconsin: https://wisconsin.cair.com/
* WiMPAC: https://wimpac.org/
* Wisconsin Department of Justice: https://www.doj.state.wi.us/
* EEOC: https://www.eeoc.gov/
Combating misinformation and fostering constructive dialogue are essential steps in addressing the concerns within the Somali-American community. This includes:
