As of December 3, 2025, a memorandum from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) ordered the suspension of processing for permanent residence (green card) applications, naturalization, and certain immigration benefits for nationals of 19 countries classified as “high risk.” Among those countries are Cuba, Haiti, and Venezuela, as well as Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Burundi, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Iran, Laos, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Turkmenistan. For many families and businesses, the first natural reaction to this type of announcement is concern: What will happen to my case? Can an already approved case now be denied? Does it even make sense to start a new process in this context?

At LOIGICA® our answer always starts from the same foundation: information before fear, and a clear, tailored legal strategy before impulsive decisions. The measure announced by the Trump administration is presented as a suspension and enhanced review of cases, not as the automatic cancellation of all benefits already granted or a general revocation of permanent residence or citizenship. In practice, it means that USCIS will stop or slow down the adjudication of green card applications, naturalization requests, and certain humanitarian benefits for nationals of these 19 countries, while at the same time re-examining some cases approved since 2021 under stricter security criteria.

It is important to emphasize what this measure does and does not do. It does impose longer wait times, more security checks, and the possibility of additional interviews or requests for further evidence. It can mean that pending cases — for example, adjustment of status applications or naturalization cases — are put on hold while internal guidelines are updated. But by itself it does not mean that every person from those countries will lose permanent residence, nor that individuals who are already U.S. citizens will lose their citizenship simply because of their country of origin, nor that removal proceedings will automatically be initiated solely based on nationality.

From a technical perspective, this decision relies on authorities that the executive branch and USCIS already have to adjust how cases are processed and prioritized, especially when national security grounds are invoked. It is not a new law, but rather a change in internal policy that directs how existing forms and applications are reviewed and decided. For that reason, rather than reading the news as a “complete shutdown of all doors,” it is necessary to carefully analyze what stage each case is in, what type of benefit is being requested, and under what legal basis it is being processed.

For individuals who are already lawful permanent residents (green card holders), the focus should not be on creating alarm, but on reinforcing best practices that have always been essential: respecting physical presence requirements in United States, avoiding prolonged absences without proper planning, preserving evidence of ties (family, employment, taxes), and, for those who are considering applying for citizenship, carefully reviewing whether they meet continuous residence and good moral character requirements before filing Form N-400. A well-maintained permanent residence remains a strong legal asset, even in contexts of increased scrutiny.

For those with pending naturalization applications, this suspension may result in rescheduled interviews, decisions that take longer than usual, or additional requests for information. In that scenario, it is advisable to keep contact information current with USCIS, maintain a complete record of tax returns, employment contracts, and other evidence supporting good moral character and eligibility, and avoid situations that could introduce new grounds of inadmissibility. The key is to assume that the standard of review may become more stringent and to prepare the file accordingly.

In the case of ongoing adjustment of status processes (for example, individuals transitioning from a temporary visa to permanent residence through Form I-485), recommendations become even more individualized. It is necessary to evaluate whether the person has other potential immigration classifications, whether they have immediate relatives who are citizens or permanent residents who might open alternative paths in the medium term, whether it is appropriate to pursue waivers in specific circumstances, or whether there are suitable administrative or judicial remedies based on their immigration history. Likewise, individuals with dual nationality must be especially careful: using one nationality or the other in immigration processes is not a purely formal choice, but a strategic decision that must be consistent with what has been declared in the past.

Employers that sponsor foreign talent — for example, companies that employ professionals or skilled workers from any of these 19 countries — are also affected. Not necessarily because they will immediately lose their employees, but because hiring plans, visa renewals, and workforce stabilization may be disrupted by delays or changes in adjudication criteria. For these companies, appropriate legal guidance makes it possible to anticipate scenarios, prepare renewals with more lead time, and adjust human resources planning to a more demanding, yet still functional, immigration environment.

Given this context, what can an individual or business realistically do today? First, avoid impulsive decisions: leaving United States without a legal assessment, allowing documents to expire out of fear, or filing improvised applications often creates more problems than solutions. Second, gather and organize all relevant documentation — previously filed forms, USCIS receipts, official notices, evidence of residence, contracts, tax returns — so that counsel has a complete picture of the case. Third, seek a personalized legal evaluation with an immigration attorney licensed in United States who can look beyond media headlines and into the actual file of the individual or organization. Finally, stay informed through serious, reputable sources and avoid rumors and alarmist content on social media.

LOIGICA®’s position in response to this type of announcement is clear: we stand with migrants and with companies that invest in global talent, always within the boundaries of the law. We do not promise impossible results or minimize risks, but we also do not assume that each policy change means the end of every immigration project. Our work consists of translating these measures into the concrete language of each case, identifying what remains the same, what changes, which paths are still open, and what adjustments a given strategy requires.

We are fully aware that for communities such as the Cuban, Venezuelan, and Haitian communities, the emotional impact of this news is particularly strong. Behind every application there are families who have spent years living apart, investments planned well in advance, and professional and academic careers built step by step. Precisely for that reason, the response cannot be purely reactive. The combination of technical information, calm, and strategic planning allows a context of uncertainty to be transformed into a space for responsible action.

The announced suspension is, without question, one of the most significant immigration decisions of recent years; its practical application will be shaped over time by additional memoranda, internal guidelines, and administrative precedents. In parallel, the basic structure of immigration law remains in place: visa categories still exist, family relationships still carry weight, investment and employment processes retain their legal logic, and courts continue to review decisions when appropriate. Between the headlines and the reality of individual cases lies a crucial space: that is where legal representation makes a difference.

If you believe this measure may affect your situation, your family, or your company, LOIGICA® can review your immigration history, your ongoing processes, and your future objectives to help you build a plan aligned with current regulations and focused on protecting your personal or business project. Immigration policy may become more restrictive; your immigration strategy can become stronger. That is exactly the space where we work.

Legal disclaimer: this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute individual legal advice. Each immigration case must be evaluated individually by an attorney authorized to practice immigration law in United States.