Donald Trump's administration tightened security controls and paused immigration procedures for 19 nations identified as high risk
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President Donald Trump's administration announced the suspension of all immigration applications submitted by citizens of 19 countries classified as "high risk" by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The decision comes after the shooting in Washington, D.C., where two members of the National Guard were injured—one of whom died—and whose alleged perpetrator, an Afghan citizen, had entered under humanitarian programs.
The DHS explained that this case exposed inherited failures in the control mechanisms implemented during the previous administration and prompted an immediate reassessment to strengthen national security.
Countries affected by the measure
The suspension impacts citizens born in or holding citizenship from these 19 nations:
Afghanistan
Myanmar (Burma)
Chad
Republic of the Congo
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Haiti
Iran
Libya
Somalia
Sudan
Yemen
Burundi
Cuba
Laos
Sierra Leone
Togo
Turkmenistan
Venezuela
These restrictions are based on a presidential proclamation issued in June that had already imposed partial or total entry limitations.
Stricter controls and case-by-case review
The DHS memorandum states that all applicants from these countries must undergo a more thorough screening process, which may include additional interviews and enhanced verifications.
Among the new requirements, the following stand out:
Social media review
Expanded biometric verification
Criminal background checks in countries of origin
Mandatory annual "check-in" with immigration authorities
The Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi L. Noem, indicated that the tightening of controls responds to the need to prevent lapses and lack of oversight that, she stated, had deepened during Joe Biden's administration.
Estados Unidos endurece su política migratoria y suspende solicitudes de 19 países considerados de alto riesgo
Criticism and support for the security policy
Some experts cited by U.S. media noted that the processes were already rigorous, although they acknowledged that the new regulation adds layers of oversight that could extend approval times.
However, from the national security sector, the measure is defended as a necessary step to strengthen the protection of U.S. territory. In a global context marked by conflicts, failed states, and the advance of transnational criminal networks, Trump's administration considers that a more demanding immigration system is essential to preserve security and internal stability.
A move that reaffirms Washington's stance
The suspension aligns with the philosophy that Trump has maintained since his first term: an immigration model based on security, state responsibility, and the protection of citizens.
With this shift, the White House seeks to prevent episodes like the one that occurred in Washington from happening again and reinforces the idea that national security is the central priority of his administration.
