Major US Immigration Policy Changes Reshape Travel and Visa Landscape
Immigration policy changes announced in late November 2025 represent the most significant shift in US immigration enforcement in decades. Following the November 27 shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., the Trump administration implemented sweeping restrictions affecting millions of immigrants, refugees, and visa applicants.
These changes include a nationwide pause on all asylum decisions, mandatory green card reviews for nationals from 19 countries, and expanded travel bans. Whether you're planning a visa application or already hold immigration status, understanding these developments is critical.
Key Immigration Policy Changes Effective November 2025
The Trump administration announced multiple immigration restrictions within days of each other. Here are the major changes now in effect:
- Asylum Decision Pause: All USCIS asylum approvals, denials, and closures halted indefinitely as of November 29, 2025
- 19-Country Green Card Review: Mandatory reexamination of all green cards issued to nationals from designated "countries of concern"
- Travel Bans Expanded: Full entry suspension for 12 countries; partial restrictions for 7 additional nations
- Afghan Visa Suspension: State Department paused all visa issuance for Afghan passport holders
- Refugee Review Program: 233,000 refugees admitted between January 2021 and February 2025 face re-interviewing and additional vetting
- TPS Terminations: Temporary Protected Status ended for Afghanistan, Cameroon, Haiti, Burma, Syria, Honduras, and Nicaragua
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow stated the agency "has halted all asylum decisions until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible." These measures took effect immediately upon announcement.
Who Is Affected by These Immigration Changes
The scope of these immigration policy changes extends far beyond new applicants. Current visa holders, green card recipients, and those with pending applications all face potential impacts.
For Asylum Seekers
All asylum applications are frozen at the decision stage. Officers may continue interviews and case reviews, but no final decisions will be issued. Immigration court judges, however, retain authority to grant asylum in removal proceedings separately from USCIS.
For Green Card Holders from 19 Countries
Nationals from Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, and Yemen face mandatory green card reexamination. This could result in revocation or deportation proceedings.
For H-1B Visa Applicants
The new $100,000 H-1B Proclamation Fee applies to petitions filed after September 21, 2025, when the beneficiary is outside the US. The US Chamber of Commerce has filed a lawsuit challenging this fee increase.
For TPS Holders
Former TPS holders from terminated countries must seek alternative immigration status immediately or face deportation. Consult with an immigration attorney to explore options such as asylum, family-based petitions, or employment sponsorship.
How to Navigate Immigration Policy Changes - Step by Step
If you're affected by these changes, taking immediate action is essential to protect your immigration status.
- Check Your Status: Verify your current immigration status and any pending applications through your USCIS online account
- Gather Documentation: Collect all immigration documents, including your passport, visa, green card, EAD, and approval notices
- Ensure Photo Compliance: If filing new applications, verify your passport photo meets current requirements to avoid processing delays
- Consult an Attorney: Contact a qualified immigration lawyer to review your specific situation and options
- Monitor Official Sources: Check USCIS.gov and State Department websites regularly for policy updates
- Prepare Backup Plans: Explore alternative visa categories or immigration pathways with legal counsel
Important Dates and Timeline
These are the critical dates for current and upcoming immigration policy changes:
- November 21, 2025: TPS for Syria officially ended
- November 27, 2025: New vetting measures for 19 countries took effect; green card reviews ordered
- November 28, 2025: "Permanent pause" on Third World migration announced
- November 29, 2025: Nationwide asylum decision pause implemented
- December 26, 2025: DHS begins mandatory biometric data collection (photographs and fingerprints) from noncitizens
- January 30, 2026: Employment Fourth Preference Religious Workers (SR) category extension expires
Countries with Full and Partial Travel Bans
Understanding which countries face entry restrictions helps travelers and visa applicants plan accordingly.
Full Travel Ban (Entry Suspended)
Afghanistan, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar (Burma), Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Nationals from these countries cannot obtain new visas or enter the United States under most circumstances.
Partial Travel Ban (Limited Visas Available)
Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. Some temporary visa categories remain available, but restrictions apply. Check with the nearest US embassy for current processing status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Still Apply for a US Visa with These Immigration Changes?
Yes, visa applications are still being accepted for most countries not under full travel bans. However, processing times have increased significantly. Ensure your visa photo specifications meet requirements before submitting to avoid additional delays.
What Happens to Pending Asylum Applications?
Pending asylum applications remain in the system, but no decisions will be issued until the pause is lifted. Interviews may continue, and officers will review cases up to the decision point. Immigration court asylum cases proceed separately under EOIR jurisdiction.
Are Green Card Holders at Risk of Losing Status?
Green card holders from the 19 designated countries face mandatory reexamination. While not all will lose status, those with documentation issues or security concerns could face revocation. Consult an immigration attorney immediately if you hold a green card from an affected country.
How Long Will the Asylum Pause Last?
The asylum decision pause has no announced end date. USCIS described it as lasting "until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible." Monitor official USCIS announcements for updates on when decisions will resume.
Do These Changes Affect Citizenship Applications?
Naturalization applications continue to be processed, though denial rates have increased 24% and average processing times have extended from 5 months to nearly 8 months. Applicants from countries of concern may face additional scrutiny.
What You Need to Know: Bottom Line
The November 2025 immigration policy changes represent the most restrictive measures in modern US history. Millions of immigrants, refugees, and visa applicants face uncertainty as the administration implements enhanced vetting, travel bans, and status reviews across multiple programs.
If you're planning to travel internationally or apply for US immigration benefits, preparation is essential. Ensure your passport photos meet all current requirements before submitting any applications. With processing times increasing and scrutiny intensifying, having compliant documentation from the start helps avoid costly delays. VisaPics provides instant verification that your photos meet official specifications for any country's visa or passport requirements.