Part 2: USCIS Enhanced Vetting in 2026: Country-Specific Restrictions and Benefit Holds

In addition to the measures affecting all applicants covered in Part 1, the Trump administration imposed travel entry restrictions and USCIS benefit application holds specifically targeting nationals of 39 designated countries. This post explains both layers, the travel ban on entry and visa issuance, and the separate USCIS holds on benefit applications for those already inside the United States.

Layer 1: The Travel Ban — Entry and Visa Restrictions

Presidential Proclamation 10998, effective January 1, 2026, restricts entry into and visa issuance for nationals of 39 countries. These restrictions apply to individuals who were outside the United States on January 1, 2026, and did not hold a valid visa on that date. Existing valid visas were not revoked, though travelers may face enhanced screening at ports of entry.

Full Suspension: 19 Countries

All immigrant and nonimmigrant visa categories are blocked. No new visas of any type are being issued.

Partial Suspension: 20 Countries

Immigrant visas and nonimmigrant B (visitor), F (student), M (vocational), and J (exchange visitor) visas are blocked.

*Turkmenistan: nonimmigrant visas are permitted; immigrant visa issuance remains suspended. Palestinian Authority travel documents are subject to full suspension.

Partial Suspension Countries: What Visa Categories Are Still Available?

Work-related nonimmigrant visas remain technically available for nationals of the 20 partial-suspension countries, including: H-1B (specialty occupation), H-2A/H-2B (seasonal workers), L-1 (intracompany transferee), O-1 (extraordinary ability), E (treaty trader/investor), K (fiancé), TN, P, and R visas. However, consular officers are directed to shorten the validity period of any visa issued in a non-suspended category. In practice, the State Department has reduced many of these to a maximum of 3 months, single entry.

Layer 2: USCIS Benefit Hold 39 Countries — A Separate Restriction for Those Inside the U.S.

The travel ban governs entry and visa issuance at U.S. consulates abroad. Separately, USCIS imposed holds on benefit applications for individuals already inside the United States who are nationals of the 39 designated countries. Both restrictions can apply to the same person at the same time.

39 Designated Countries: Total Hold — Began January 1, 2026

USCIS placed a total hold on all pending and future benefit applications filed by or on behalf of nationals of the 39 countries. This included green card applications (I-485), naturalization (N-400), asylum (I-589), EAD renewals, and all other benefit types. No final decisions could be issued while the hold was in place.

Update — March 30, 2026: USCIS Hold Lifted 2026 — Partial, Category-by-Category

On March 30, 2026, USCIS announced that it had established an internal review process requiring sign-off from multiple offices before lifting holds, either for individual cases or entire categories. There is no published legal standard explaining what threshold must be met, and no overall timeline has been announced. USCIS states it will continue lifting holds “as appropriate.” Below is what has been carved out so far:

Holds Lifted as of March 30, 2026

• Certain EADs (including for pending asylees; confirmed processing)
• Petitions filed by U.S. citizens on behalf of family members
• Intercountry adoption forms
• Certain special immigrant visa petitions
• Refugees cleared through Operation PARRIS
• South African refugee registrations
• Certain rescheduled oath ceremonies
• Asylum applications; non-high-risk countries only

Still on Hold — No Timeline Announced

• Green card applications (I-485)
• Naturalization (N-400)
• Diversity Visa adjustment of status
• Asylum applications; 39 country nationals
• Most other benefit categories

39 Designated Countries: Re-Review of Previously Approved Applications

USCIS ordered a comprehensive re-review of immigration benefits approved for nationals of these countries on or after January 20, 2021. USCIS stated that prior vetting was “wholly inadequate” and that individuals were approved who should not have been. This re-review is ongoing with no announced end date.

39 Designated Countries: Country of Birth Treated as a Negative Factor

An August 2025 USCIS policy memo directs officers to treat an applicant’s country of birth as a “significant negative factor” in discretionary decisions, such as adjustment of status (I-485). Applicants have received Requests for Evidence (RFEs) asking them to affirmatively explain why their country of birth should not weigh against them.

Special Policies Affecting Refugees Under the Travel Ban 39 Countries 2026

Operation PARRIS — Refugee Re-Vetting Program

USCIS launched Operation PARRIS, led by the USCIS Vetting Center, to conduct additional background checks, re-interviews, and merit reviews of refugee claims. Refugees who complete this process have had their benefit holds lifted.

Detention for Failure to Apply for Green Card Within One Year

USCIS and ICE issued a memo requiring detention of refugees who do not apply for lawful permanent residence within one year of admission, with no stated exceptions. This applies even to minor children who cannot independently file their own applications and who may be detained until their adjustment application is adjudicated.

Contact Us Today for Expert Immigration Legal Services

If you have questions or need more information about the new USCIS policies impacting your rights or any other immigration matter, please contact the Law Offices of Azita M. Mojarad, P.C. by e-mailing us at azita@azitalaw.com or calling 312.641.0771.