Q COSTARICA — The U.S. government has stopped processing citizenship and permanent residency applications from migrants of 19 countries, expanding restrictions first put in place under the Trump administration. Among the affected are three Latin American countries: Cuba, Haiti, and Venezuela.
This move has sparked concern within migrant communities and stirred controversy, especially after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem used harsh language to describe the individuals from these nations.
The restrictions target countries with strained relations with Washington.
An official document obtained by AFP confirms that the suspension includes nations already under travel bans since June.
Besides the Latin American countries, the list features Afghanistan, Burma, Burundi, Chad, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Laos, Libya, the Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Yemen. This step effectively blocks thousands from gaining residency and eventually citizenship.
Officials say the decision is about boosting security. The memo points out that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services must “prevent terrorists from seeking refuge in the United States” and ensure thorough vetting and screening.
This policy came shortly after an attack on two National Guard members near the White House, which left one officer dead. The suspect, an Afghan national, arrived during the Kabul evacuation in 2021.
In this tense atmosphere, Noem’s comments on social media caused a strong backlash.
Noem wrote, “I just met with the President. I recommend a total travel ban for every damn country that has flooded our nation with murderers, leeches, and addicts who think they’re entitled to everything.”
Her words highlighted a sharp turn toward a tougher immigration stance and revealed a bluntly hostile attitude toward migrants from the restricted countries.