Major Immigration Policy Changes Sweep the United States in November 2025
Immigration policy changes have reached unprecedented levels as President Trump announces a "permanent pause" on migration from "third world countries" following the tragic National Guard shooting in Washington, D.C. on November 26, 2025. These sweeping measures affect millions of immigrants currently in the United States.
The announcement came after an Afghan national allegedly shot two National Guard members near the White House, killing one soldier. In response, USCIS has implemented immediate security measures affecting asylum seekers, green card holders, and visa applicants from 19 designated countries of concern.
Key Immigration Policy Changes Taking Effect Now
The Trump administration has moved swiftly to implement multiple restrictive immigration measures. Here's what has changed:
- Third World Immigration Pause: President Trump announced a "permanent pause" on all immigration from what he termed "third world countries" via Truth Social on November 27, 2025
- Afghan Processing Halt: All immigration requests involving Afghan nationals are suspended indefinitely, effective immediately
- Asylum Decisions Frozen: USCIS has halted all asylum decisions pending enhanced vetting procedures
- Green Card Reviews: A full reexamination of every green card holder from 19 countries of concern has been ordered
- Visa Issuance Paused: The State Department immediately stopped visa issuance for individuals with Afghan passports
- Enhanced Vetting: New country-specific negative factors are now considered in all immigration applications from high-risk nations
According to USCIS Director Joseph Edlow, these measures aim to ensure "every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible." The policy guidance took effect on November 27, 2025, and applies to all pending and new applications.
Who Is Affected by These Immigration Changes
These immigration policy changes impact millions of people currently residing in or seeking entry to the United States. Understanding who faces new restrictions is crucial for affected individuals and families.
Green Card Holders from 19 Countries
Approximately 3.3 million green card holders from the designated countries of concern face potential review. The largest affected groups include over 1 million from Cuba, 700,000 from Haiti, 500,000 from Venezuela, and 400,000 from Iran.
Afghan Nationals
More than 190,000 Afghans who resettled in the United States since August 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome are affected. All immigration processing for Afghan nationals—including asylum applications, green card renewals, and visa requests—is now suspended indefinitely.
Asylum Seekers Worldwide
All pending asylum decisions have been frozen regardless of country of origin. This affects thousands of cases already in the system awaiting final determination.
Biden-Era Refugees Under Review
Approximately 233,000 refugees who entered the U.S. between January 20, 2021, and February 20, 2025, face mandatory case reviews. Their permanent residency applications have been paused pending this examination.
The 19 Countries of Concern - Complete List
USCIS has designated these 19 nations as countries of concern based on a June 2025 presidential proclamation citing screening and vetting deficiencies:
- Full Travel Ban: Afghanistan, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar (Burma), Somalia, Sudan, Yemen
- Partial Ban (Some Visas Allowed): Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela
Countries facing full bans have complete restrictions on new immigrant and non-immigrant visas. Partial ban countries still permit some temporary visas but face heightened scrutiny for permanent immigration benefits.
How to Prepare for Immigration Reviews - Step by Step
If you're a green card holder from an affected country or have pending immigration applications, take these steps immediately:
- Gather All Documentation: Compile your original immigration paperwork, passport photos meeting current requirements, biometric receipts, and any correspondence with USCIS
- Verify Your Status Online: Check your case status through the USCIS online portal at uscis.gov to ensure your information is current
- Consult an Immigration Attorney: Given the complexity of these changes, seek professional legal advice specific to your situation
- Update Contact Information: Ensure USCIS has your current address and contact details to receive any notices about your case review
- Avoid International Travel: If you hold a green card from an affected country, consult legal counsel before traveling internationally as re-entry may be complicated
- Document Your Ties to the U.S.: Compile evidence of employment, property ownership, family relationships, and community involvement
Important Dates and Timeline
Keep track of these critical dates for 2025 immigration changes:
- November 26, 2025: National Guard shooting incident in Washington, D.C. triggers policy response
- November 27, 2025: USCIS halts all Afghan immigration processing and announces green card reviews
- November 28, 2025: President Trump announces "permanent pause" on third world immigration
- December 1, 2025: K-1 fiancé visa pricing update takes effect
- December 26, 2025: DHS begins collecting biometric data (photographs and fingerprints) from all noncitizens
- Ongoing: TPS terminated for Afghanistan (ended July 21, 2025), Cameroon, Haiti, and Myanmar
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does "Permanent Pause" Mean for Immigration?
Under immigration law, "permanent pause" has no defined legal meaning. Immigration attorney Abhishek Saxena explains it "typically means an open-ended restriction with no stated end date, but not a legally irreversible condition." The term indicates an indefinite halt rather than a permanent legal prohibition, though its practical effects are substantial until lifted.
Will My Green Card Be Revoked if I'm From a Country of Concern?
Not automatically. The review process will examine each case individually using "negative, country-specific elements." However, green card holders may face revocation or deportation if issues are found during reexamination. Maintaining complete documentation and consulting with an immigration attorney is essential.
Are These Immigration Changes Legally Enforceable?
Some measures may face legal challenges. Similar to the birthright citizenship executive order—currently blocked by nationwide preliminary injunctions—courts may intervene. However, administrative changes within USCIS discretion, like enhanced vetting standards, can take immediate effect.
What Should Asylum Seekers Do Now?
All asylum decisions are currently frozen. Maintain your pending application, keep documentation current, and consult with an immigration attorney. Do not abandon your case—the freeze is on decisions, not the validity of applications already filed.
How Do I Ensure My Passport Photo Meets Requirements?
With increased scrutiny on all immigration applications, ensuring your passport photo meets exact visa photo specifications is more important than ever. Rejected photos can delay applications during this already challenging period.
What You Need to Know - Key Takeaways
The November 2025 immigration policy changes represent the most significant restrictions since the original travel ban. With 3.3 million green card holders facing potential review, asylum decisions frozen, and Afghan processing halted indefinitely, millions of immigrants must prepare for heightened scrutiny of their status.
If you're affected by these changes, take immediate action to organize your documentation, verify your case status, and consult legal professionals. Additionally, ensure all your immigration documents—including passport photos—meet current requirements to avoid any processing delays. VisaPics can help ensure your visa and passport photos comply with the latest specifications for any country, which is especially critical during periods of enhanced vetting.