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In a measure that will affect thousands of immigrants, the administration of Donald Trump has discreetly paused the processing of permanent residency applications for individuals who have already been approved as refugees or granted asylum in the United States.
According to CBS News, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) instructed its officials to suspend the processing of applications for the “green card” of individuals who have humanitarian protection.
The order is part of a broader effort to increase immigration controls and restrictions within the country, as part of the immigration policy of President Donald Trump.
The decision leaves thousands of immigrants in legal limbo who have already demonstrated, through a rigorous process, that they would be persecuted in their home countries for reasons of race, religion, or political opinion.
Both refugees and asylum seekers must undergo extensive security screenings, interviews, and medical examinations before receiving approval to remain legally in the U.S.
According to the cited source, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed the temporary suspension, noting that it is being implemented to comply with two executive actions signed by the President, which mandate a thorough review of the verification procedures adopted during the Joe Biden administration.
"USCIS is implementing a temporary pause on the completion of certain adjustment of status applications while additional identity verification, national security, and fraud prevention processes are completed," the agency stated.
One of the cited executive orders directs federal agencies to "vet and scrutinize all foreigners seeking admission to or already present in the United States" to the fullest extent.
The other allows the State Department to designate Mexican cartels and gangs such as Tren de Aragua as terrorist organizations.
This pause is the most recent attempt by the Trump administration to curb legal immigration through restrictions based on alleged national security threats.
Last month, the government had already halted immigration applications from citizens of Latin America and Ukraine who arrived under humanitarian programs initiated by Biden.
In addition, more than half a million migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela were notified that they would have 30 days to leave the country voluntarily or face deportation.
The administration claims that these foreigners were "insufficiently verified" and that the programs are rife with irregularities.
Among other measures, the authorities have announced stricter monitoring of the social media accounts of those applying for immigration benefits, including citizenship, permanent residency, and asylum.
Applicants must provide their personal accounts to be reviewed as part of the identity verification process.
Before the recent decision by the Trump administration to pause residency processes for refugees and asylum seekers, measures had already been implemented that significantly affected beneficiaries of humanitarian parole in the United States.
Last Wednesday, it was reported that the U.S. government halted the processing of residency applications for tens of thousands of migrants enrolled in this program, due to security concerns and fraud detected in applications processed during the Biden administration.
Two days later, the Department of Homeland Security announced the official revocation of the legal status of parole beneficiaries, in compliance with Executive Order 14165 signed by Donald Trump.
The revocation affects more than 530,000 people, including nearly 111,000 Cubans, who will lose their authorization to stay and work if they do not have another legal avenue to regularize their immigration status.
A day later, the White House issued a direct warning to those affected, urging them to self-deport using a digital application provided by the government.
The presidential spokesperson stated that those without legal grounds must leave the country voluntarily or face expedited removal proceedings. These actions are part of a plan to dismantle the immigration programs implemented by Biden, which Trump considers an abuse of executive authority.
Human rights organizations and political sectors have reacted with concern to these decisions. Last Sunday, Amnesty International heavily criticized the elimination of humanitarian parole, describing it as a demonstration of the Trump administration's contempt for human rights.
The NGO warned about the devastating consequences this measure will have for hundreds of thousands of migrants, including Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans, who arrived in the U.S. escaping severe crises in their home countries.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Suspension of Residency Applications for Immigrants Under the Trump Administration
Why has the Trump administration paused the permanent residency process for some immigrants?
The Donald Trump administration has paused the permanent residency applications for immigrants already approved as refugees or asylum seekers in the United States. This measure aims to increase controls and immigration bans, citing national security concerns and the need to review procedures implemented during the Biden administration.
What impact does this measure have on immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela?
The measure affects more than 530,000 immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela who entered under Biden's humanitarian parole program. These immigrants now find themselves in a migration limbo, as they will be unable to process their residency under the Cuban Adjustment Act or access other immigration benefits while the suspension remains in effect.
What other actions is the Trump administration taking regarding immigration?
In addition to suspending residency processes, the Trump administration has granted more power to ICE to deport immigrants with humanitarian parole, eliminated the CBP One program, and initiated raids to deport undocumented immigrants. These measures are part of a general tightening of immigration policies in the United States.
Are there legal avenues for affected immigrants to protect their immigration status?
Some immigrants may seek other legal avenues, such as applying for asylum or qualifying for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Cubans have the option to apply for permanent residency under the Cuban Adjustment Act, provided they meet the established requirements. However, the situation is more complicated for those who do not have access to these options.
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