On November 30, 2023, President Donald Trump confirmed the continuation of a pause on the processing of all asylum applications, with no specified timeline for its conclusion. This decision is part of a broader initiative to limit immigration from countries characterized by the administration as 'Third World,' which Trump described as having high levels of crime and poor governance. He asserted that the U.S. does not need to allow individuals from these nations to enter.

This announcement follows a tragic incident in Washington, D.C., where a member of the West Virginia National Guard was killed by an Afghan national who had entered the U.S. through a refugee program established during the Biden administration. In light of this event, the Trump administration has initiated a comprehensive review of immigration policies, particularly focusing on green cards issued to individuals from 19 countries classified as 'high-risk.'

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem indicated that immigration officials may consider deporting individuals with active asylum cases if deemed necessary. Trump also raised the possibility of denaturalizing certain U.S. citizens, although he expressed uncertainty regarding his authority to do so.

During a press conference, Trump criticized Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar, referencing her Somali heritage and questioning the stability of Somalia. His remarks followed a series of anti-immigrant statements on social media, particularly targeting Somali refugees in Minnesota, a state that has seen a significant influx of Somali immigrants since the 1990s. On November 21, Trump announced the termination of temporary deportation protections for Somalis in Minnesota, a program originally established in 1991 to protect individuals unable to return to their home countries due to conflict or disaster. The administration has also moved to end similar protections for other countries, including Venezuela and Nicaragua.

The recent policy changes have drawn criticism from refugee advocates, who argue that these measures represent collective punishment and misallocate government resources by reopening previously processed cases. The Trump administration defends these changes as necessary for national security, asserting that they will ensure that individuals entering or residing in the U.S. do not pose a threat.

Key changes include:

1. **Suspension of Asylum Decisions**: Joseph Edlow, director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), announced a pause on asylum decisions until thorough vetting can be assured. Asylum seekers must demonstrate a credible fear of persecution in their home countries based on various grounds, including race and nationality.

2. **Reexamination of Green Card Applications**: USCIS is conducting a comprehensive review of green card applications from individuals from 19 countries deemed 'high-risk,' including Afghanistan. This follows a previous travel ban affecting citizens from 12 countries and restrictions on seven others.

3. **Visa Suspension for Afghans**: USCIS has suspended all immigration requests from Afghan nationals, impacting those already in the U.S. seeking green cards or work permits. Additionally, the State Department has temporarily ceased issuing visas for Afghan passport holders, effectively closing off the Special Immigrant Visa program designed for Afghans who supported U.S. operations.

4. **Review of Refugees Admitted Under Biden Administration**: The administration plans to review the cases of nearly 200,000 refugees admitted during the Biden administration, despite existing protocols that ensure rigorous vetting for refugees, who are distinct from asylum seekers.

These policy shifts reflect a broader trend of increasing restrictions on immigration, particularly affecting vulnerable populations, and raise concerns about the implications for humanitarian efforts and the treatment of individuals fleeing persecution.