Trump's Sweeping Immigration Ban: Expert Explains Impact on 19 Nations & All Asylum Seekers in the US

Trump Administration Implements Sweeping Immigration Ban Affecting 19 Nations and All Asylum Seekers

The Donald Trump administration has initiated an expansive halt on nearly all immigration applications originating from 19 specific countries, a move that has sparked widespread confusion and concern regarding its far-reaching implications. This unprecedented ban affects citizens from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.

Scope and Impact of the Ban

While the announcement closely followed a shooting incident in Washington D.C. involving an Afghan refugee, immigration expert Brad Bernstein clarified that these 19 nations were already featured on a prior Trump travel ban list. Bernstein detailed the extensive nature of this new halt, confirming it impacts not only Green Card applications but also spouses of U.S. citizens, fiancés, and adopted children of U.S. citizens from the listed countries.

"If you are from any of these countries, your case is effectively frozen," Bernstein stated. "This includes marriage cases, adopted children of U.S. citizens, visitors' visas, students' visas, naturalization, Green Card applications, all visa applications, and asylum requests. You are stalled at this moment." He emphasized that those affected currently have limited recourse, advising them to maintain lawful status and await potential litigation or policy shifts.

Legal Challenges and Asylum Holds

Bernstein highlighted the inherent inconsistencies in proposed humanitarian exceptions and underscored the ban's unparalleled nature in United States history, challenging its framing as solely a national security measure. He anticipates a wave of legal challenges, including class-action lawsuits, injunctions, and individual mandamus requests for stalled cases.

Adding another layer of complexity, a separate memo from the administration has placed all pending Forms I-589 asylum applications on hold, irrespective of the applicant's country of origin, pending a comprehensive review. This means a universal pause on asylum claims across the board. Furthermore, the administration will re-review all previously approved requests from the 19 banned countries for individuals who entered the U.S. on or after January 20, 2021, signaling a potential reversal for those already granted entry.