NEW DELHI / Washington, D.C.: The U.S. government has announced a sweeping pause on immigration and naturalization processes for individuals from 19 countries designated as “high-risk,” as part of a major overhaul aimed at tightening national security and immigration vetting.

Under a directive issued December 2, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has ordered an immediate hold on: • All pending asylum applications (Form I-589), pending a comprehensive review. • All pending immigration benefit requests submitted by individuals from the 19 affected countries. • Previously approved immigration benefits for immigrants from those countries who entered the U.S. on or after January 20, 2021 — subject to re-review, which may include re-interviews.

The memo instructs USC

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