Trump Denaturalization Policy Targets Naturalized Citizens After Shooting

The Trump administration announced a major immigration crackdown. This follows a recent shooting involving an Afghan national. The policy shifts target asylum, green cards, and even naturalized citizens.

Officials are implementing sweeping new restrictions. The moves have created deep uncertainty for millions. According to ABC News, the changes are some of the most significant in recent memory.

New Rules Freeze Asylum and Review Citizenship

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has paused all asylum decisions. Director Joseph Edlow ordered the halt for enhanced vetting. The agency will also re-examine green card applications from 19 “high-risk” nations.

This review could affect applications from countries like Afghanistan. It introduces new delays and potential denials. The policy represents a dramatic tightening of existing immigration pathways.

President Trump publicly discussed denaturalizing citizens. He said he would “absolutely” pursue this if given the power. His focus is on individuals he claims gained citizenship under lax Biden-era vetting.

Afghan Visa Programs Halted Amid Broader Scrutiny

Specific measures directly impact Afghan nationals. The State Department has stopped issuing visas for Afghan passport holders. This effectively shuts down the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program.

The SIV program was a promise to allies who helped US forces. Its closure leaves approximately 180,000 applicants stranded. USCIS also suspended all other immigration requests from Afghans.

The administration is reviewing refugees admitted since 2021. A memo targets nearly 200,000 cases for re-examination. This retroactive scrutiny is unprecedented for the US refugee program.

Critics Warn of Eroding Trust in Citizenship

Advocate groups have condemned the new measures. They call the approach a form of collective punishment. They argue it punishes entire nationalities for one individual’s alleged crime.

Legal experts raise alarms about denaturalization talks. They warn it challenges the fundamental security of US citizenship. The threat undermines a core promise of the American immigration system.

The practical impact is immense. Over 1.4 million asylum cases are now on hold. Immigration courts have a backlog of 2.4 million more cases. Families face prolonged separation and legal limbo.

The new Trump denaturalization rhetoric and policy shifts have placed naturalized citizens in an unprecedented position. The stability of American citizenship itself is now part of the national immigration debate.

Info at your fingertips

What did President Trump say about denaturalization?

He stated he would “absolutely” denaturalize some citizens if he had the power. He specifically referenced individuals who became citizens during the Biden administration, according to ABC7.

Which immigration programs are currently paused?

USCIS has paused all new asylum decisions. The State Department has halted visas for Afghan passport holders, closing the SIV program for wartime allies.

Who is affected by the green card reexamination?

Applicants from 19 countries deemed “high-risk” are subject to review. This includes Afghanistan and several other nations, creating uncertainty for families seeking permanent residency.

Why are refugee cases being reviewed?

The administration is re-examining nearly 200,000 refugees admitted since 2021. Officials cite a need for enhanced vetting, though refugees already undergo extensive security checks.

What is the main criticism of these policies?

Advocates argue the measures constitute collective punishment. They warn it sows fear and wastes resources by reopening rigorously vetted cases.

How many cases are currently backlogged?

USCIS reports 1.4 million pending asylum cases. The immigration court system has an additional backlog of approximately 2.4 million cases awaiting decisions.