4 Senators Challenge USCIS Pause on Immigration Cases From 39 Countries
Updated
Updated · Senator Chris Van Hollen · Jun 4
4 Senators Challenge USCIS Pause on Immigration Cases From 39 Countries
3 articles · Updated · Senator Chris Van Hollen · Jun 4
Summary
Four Democratic senators demanded answers from DHS and USCIS over an indefinite halt on immigration and citizenship decisions for applicants from 39 countries, plus a retroactive review of approvals dating to Jan. 20, 2021.
Two USCIS memos issued on Dec. 2, 2025 and Jan. 1, 2026 ordered holds on pending and future cases, affecting green cards, naturalization interviews, citizenship ceremonies and work permits based on nationality or country of birth.
The senators said the policy has already canceled interviews, stalled green card cases and let employment authorization renewals lapse, pushing some immigrants out of jobs and adding to USCIS's existing backlog.
Their letter also challenged a May 21 policy shift, announced May 22, that would force many green-card applicants to return abroad to apply despite decades of adjustment-of-status practice; they requested a response within two weeks.
How can one tragic incident justify a sweeping immigration pause affecting 39 countries and thousands of families?
With green card rules now changed by memo, what is the future for America’s legal immigration system?
U.S. Immigration in Crisis: Court Rulings, Policy Reversals, and a Projected 33–50% Drop in Legal Admissions (2025–2026)
Overview
Recent federal court decisions have begun to reverse several of the administration's immigration policies, especially those targeting individuals from 39 countries without congressional approval. Judges have criticized USCIS for not following the law and for violating due process, highlighting unclear and prolonged immigration holds. This judicial pushback reflects growing concern over discriminatory practices and unlawful restrictions. As a result, more than 200 plaintiffs affected by stalled applications have seen progress in their cases. These rulings emphasize that the government cannot block lawful immigration pathways or discriminate based on country of origin, reinforcing fundamental legal protections.