A sweeping pause raises new uncertainty for students, workers, and families worldwide
The US government has abruptly paused the processing of immigration applications for nationals from all countries covered under its expanded travel ban, adding another layer of uncertainty for thousands of people already living, studying, or working in the United States.
The move, announced by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), takes effect immediately and applies to pending applications from citizens of 39 countries and the Palestinian Authority. This includes requests for visa changes, status extensions, and Optional Practical Training (OPT) a critical work authorization pathway for international students.
What exactly has been paused?
According to USCIS, the agency is temporarily putting on hold:
Applications for changes of immigration status
Extensions of stay
OPT and other work authorization requests
Other pending immigration benefit applications
The decision is tied to President Trump’s expanded travel ban, as the administration considers implementing new screening and vetting procedures.
A memo dated January 1 states that the agency is acting in the interest of national security and public safety.
“USCIS remains dedicated to ensuring aliens from high-risk countries of concern who have entered the United States do not pose risks to national security or public safety,” the memo reads.
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Why is the US doing this now?
USCIS says the pause is part of a broader effort to reassess immigration risks linked to countries with high overstay rates, significant fraud concerns, or both. Officials have emphasized that stricter enforcement is necessary to “faithfully uphold United States immigration law.”
However, the government has not provided a timeline for how long the pause will last or what specific new vetting measures will look like. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has so far declined to comment publicly.
A deeper review including past approvals
Beyond pausing current applications, USCIS has confirmed it is conducting a comprehensive review of previously approved cases involving individuals who were either born in or are citizens of the affected countries.
This review stretches back to January 20, 2021, and could involve:
Re-examining approved benefits
Re-interviewing applicants deemed “of concern”
Potentially withdrawing immigration benefits or reversing approved status extensions
Immigration groups have expressed alarm. NAFSA, a leading association for international education, warned that the process could lead to adverse outcomes for applicants.
“It seems plausible that the re-review process could lead to adverse decisions,” NAFSA said, adding that many are still waiting for clarity on how individuals can respond if their cases are flagged.
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How this connects to earlier travel ban actions
This is not the first pause of its kind. In December 2025, the Trump administration halted asylum processing and pending immigration benefits for citizens of 19 countries included in the original June 2025 travel ban. That decision followed the fatal shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, DC.
The latest expansion adds 20 more countries, many of them in Africa, signaling a broader crackdown on immigration pathways that could lead to permanent status in the US.
Notably, Nigeria the eighth-largest source of international students in the US is among the affected nations, raising particular concern within the education sector.
What this means for international students and workers
Although current visa holders are technically exempt from the travel ban, the processing freeze creates serious challenges for those waiting on approvals.
Students and professionals may face:
Delayed or frozen OPT approvals
Uncertainty around H-1B change-of-status requests
Cancelled interviews and vanished appointments in USCIS online accounts
Increased risk tied to international travel
USCIS acknowledged these hardships but said the delays are justified.
“The burden of processing delays… is necessary and appropriate when weighed against the agency’s obligation to protect and preserve our national security,” the memo stated.
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Advice for affected applicants
Immigration advisors are urging individuals impacted by the pause to:
File work authorization renewals as early as possible
Avoid international travel if their status is pending
Monitor USCIS accounts closely for unexpected changes
Seek professional legal guidance if their case is flagged for review
Reports are already surfacing of unexplained cancellations and prolonged silence from immigration officials.
Key takeaway
The US immigration pause for travel ban nationals marks a significant escalation in enforcement and vetting, leaving thousands of applicants in limbo. While the policy is framed as a security measure, its real-world impact is being felt most by international students, skilled workers, and families who were already navigating a complex immigration system. Until more guidance is released, uncertainty and delays are likely to continue.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration policies can change quickly, and individual circumstances vary. Affected individuals should consult a qualified immigration attorney or official government sources for the most accurate and up-to-date guidance.