US halts immigration applications for 19 countries
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President Trump’s latest immigration crackdown, prompted by the shooting of National Guard members, means he has now halted or tightened every form of foreign entry into the US.
A new security review could delay citizenship and family reunification for people with roots in Africa, the Middle East and Latin America
"Any immigration benefit request postmarked on or after January 1, 2026 without the proper filing fee will be rejected," U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services wrote in a Federal Register filing.
The process of applying for U.S. citizenship has for years been long and involved several steps, including an application, background checks, tests and an interview. One must first establish legal residency for a time, through visas, green cards or other forms of immigration relief that in themselves can be difficult to obtain.
The latest update affects the Electronic Visa Update System, the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation, and the parole fee for foreign nationals who are allowed to enter the United States temporarily.
The US will raise several travel and immigration fees in 2026, including a $20 increase in the parole fee and minor hikes in ESTA and EVUS fees.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services are creating a police force. This unit is responsible for cracking down on fraudulent immigration applications. The USCIS will train agents and these officers are allowed to carry guns and make arrests.
As immigration raids continue across the state, some U.S. citizens have wondered if they should carry documentation to avoid being detained. Here’s what experts and advocates say.