USCIS Implements Additional National Security Measures in the Wake of National Guard Shooting by Afghan National
USCIS will consider relevant country-specific factors when using its broad discretionary authorities regarding aliens from 19 high-risk countries after halting refugee resettlement from Afghanistan and the entry of Afghan nationals in the first year of the Trump administration.
WASHINGTON— In the wake of the shooting of two National Guard service members in Washington, D.C., Wednesday by an Afghan national, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issued new guidance allowing for negative, country-specific factors to be considered when vetting aliens from 19 high-risk countries. This guidance comes after the Trump administration halted refugee resettlement from Afghanistan and the entry of Afghan nationals in its first year of office.
“My primary responsibility is to ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible,” said USCIS Director Joseph Edlow. “This includes an assessment of where they are coming from and why. Yesterday’s horrific events make it abundantly clear the Biden administration spent the last four years dismantling basic vetting and screening standards, prioritizing the rapid resettlement of aliens from high-risk countries over the safety of American citizens. The Trump administration takes the opposite approach. Effective immediately, I am issuing new policy guidance that authorizes USCIS officers to consider country-specific factors as significant negative factors when reviewing immigration requests. American lives come first.”
The updated guidance, including consideration of country-specific factors such as a country’s ability to issue secure identity documents, will further strengthen USCIS’ implementation of President Trump’s Presidential Proclamation (PP) 10949, Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats. It will allow USCIS officers to more meaningfully assess whether an alien is a threat to public safety and national security.
This policy guidance is effective immediately and applies to requests pending or filed on or after Nov. 27, 2025.
FAQ
What is the new USCIS policy on country-specific vetting for certain foreign nationals?
The new USCIS policy allows officers to consider country-specific factors as negative elements during the vetting process for nationals from 19 high-risk countries. This means additional scrutiny will be given based on the applicant’s country of origin and the specific risks associated with that country.
Which countries are considered “high-risk” under this new guidance?
The policy targets foreign nationals from 19 countries that have been identified as high-risk. While the complete list is linked in official government resources, it typically includes countries with challenges in issuing secure documents, unstable governments, or increased security threats.
Why did USCIS implement this updated vetting guidance?
USCIS issued this updated guidance in response to recent security incidents and as part of broader efforts to protect national security and public safety. The goal is to ensure more comprehensive and country-specific vetting of applicants from high-risk countries.
When does this country-specific vetting policy take effect?
The updated policy goes into effect immediately and covers all requests pending or filed on or after November 27, 2025.
How will this policy affect individuals currently seeking immigration benefits?
Individuals from the designated high-risk countries whose applications are pending as of November 27, 2025, or who file thereafter, will be subject to the new heightened vetting measures. Officers will assess country-specific risks in addition to the existing eligibility requirements.
What factors might USCIS officers assess as part of the country-specific evaluation?
Officers may examine the security of a country’s identity documents, the ability for reliable background checks, country instability, prevalence of terrorism, and other public safety risks. These factors could negatively impact an applicant’s immigration request.
Does this policy apply to all types of immigration benefits?
Yes, the guidance applies to all types of immigration benefit requests handled by USCIS, including asylum, adjustment of status, naturalization, and refugee or parole applications from individuals from the designated high-risk countries.
Are there any exemptions to the policy for humanitarian or urgent cases?
While the policy is broad, certain humanitarian exemptions may still be available on a case-by-case basis. However, the country-specific risks will still be closely weighed, and applicants should expect additional scrutiny.
How can our firm assist applicants impacted by this new guidance?
At Wilner & O’Reilly, we can provide strategic guidance based on each client’s circumstances, review current applications for potential risk factors, assist in gathering robust supporting evidence, and represent clients in responding to USCIS concerns under the new guidance.
What should affected individuals do if their application is delayed or denied under this new policy?
Anyone affected by delays or denials should seek legal counsel immediately. Our team can help assess the decision, pursue available legal remedies, and develop a strategy for overcoming negative findings related to country-specific factors.
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