On November 27, 2025, in response to the tragic shooting of two National Guard service members in Washington, DC, by an Afghan national, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced new policy guidance aimed at strengthening national security screening for immigration applicants.
Effective immediately, USCIS officers are authorized to consider country-specific factors as significant negative indicators when reviewing immigration requests from nationals of 19 high-risk countries. These factors include:
- A country’s ability to issue secure identity documents
- Broader security and vetting concerns tied to national origin
This policy applies to all pending and newly filed requests as of November 27, 2025.
This guidance comes after the Trump administration halted refugee resettlement from Afghanistan and the entry of Afghan nationals during its first year in office, reinforcing a long-standing commitment to prioritizing national security in immigration policy.
List of 19 High Risk Countries
Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
Why This Matters
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow emphasized that the agency’s top priority is protecting American lives through rigorous vetting. The updated guidance aligns with Presidential Proclamation 10949, which restricts entry of foreign nationals deemed potential threats to US security and public safety.
Impact on Immigration Applications
Applicants from designated high-risk countries should expect:
- Heightened scrutiny during adjudication
- Possible delays due to additional security checks
- Increased documentation requirements to verify identity and lawful intent
Next Steps
USCIS will continue implementing enhanced screening measures across all immigration programs.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.