Trump Initiates Review of Green Cards for High-Risk Countries

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

In a decisive step reflecting heightened vigilance towards immigration, President Donald Trump has issued an order for an exhaustive assessment of green cards granted to individuals from countries classified as high-risk. This directive follows a tragic event near the White House where an Afghan national fatally shot a West Virginia National Guard member, Sarah Beckstrom.

Joseph Edlow, the head of US Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS), stated, “I have directed a comprehensive reevaluation of every Green Card for every alien from every country of concern.”

Which Countries Are Affected?

The US has previously identified 12 nations as presenting a “very high risk” to national security: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Moreover, seven other nations, including Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela, face partial travel restrictions. Green card applicants from these 19 nations will undergo more stringent checks.

Understanding Green Cards and Eligibility

A Green Card, officially referred to as a Permanent Resident Card, allows foreign nationals to reside and work in the US permanently. Those who hold this status, known as lawful permanent residents (LPRs), may seek US citizenship after residing in the country for between 1 and 5 years and proving good moral character.

Children under the age of 18 automatically attain citizenship if at least one parent is a US citizen. Green Cards can be obtained through a variety of pathways:

• Family Sponsorship: US citizens or permanent residents can sponsor their relatives.

• Employment-based Visas: Individuals with secured job offers or business investments.

• Diversity Visa Lottery: An annual lottery specifically for nationals from countries with low immigration rates to the US.

• Asylum or Refugee Status: Available to individuals after one year of residence in the US.

The Application Procedure and Related Fees

The application process typically begins with a petition from a family member or an employer, and in specific situations, it can be self-filed. Once the petition is approved, applicants either file through USCIS if inside the US or through the Department of State if abroad.

The steps involve:

1. Biometrics appointment – including fingerprints, photos, and signatures for security checks.

2. Interview – to confirm applicants' eligibility.

3. Approval – Green Card issued, typically valid for ten years.

Fee Overview:

• Non-petition visa: $185 (~Rs 15,300)

• Petition-based categories: $205 (~Rs 17,000)

• Fiancé(e)/Spouse category: $265 (~Rs 21,000)

• Employment-based: $345 (~Rs 29,000)

• Diversity Visa Lottery: $330 (~Rs 27,300)

• Family petitions (I-130/I-600/I-800): $325–$775 (~Rs 27,000–64,300)

This revision represents a notable tightening of immigration policies in the US, specifically under the Trump administration. While it mainly targets individuals from high-risk countries, it also indicates a broader initiative to strengthen security protocols concerning green card holders. Those impacted by this review may face delays or further vetting, reflecting a more cautious approach to the granting of permanent residency.