Thousands Affected as Trump Suspends Green Card Path for Afghan Refugees

The Trump administration has quietly suspended the processing of green card applications for certain immigrants, particularly those with refugee or asylum status, in a move that immigration experts and advocates say could leave thousands in legal limbo.

According to a report by CBS News, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has ordered officials to stop advancing permanent residency applications submitted by individuals who entered the United States as refugees or who have been granted asylum. The directive, which has not been publicly announced, is part of a broader push by the administration to tighten immigration enforcement and intensify vetting procedures.

Multiple sources familiar with the matter told CBS News that the order came from high-level immigration authorities and is being carried out quietly across USCIS field offices. The move affects refugees and asylum recipients who have already passed a rigorous, years-long process involving background checks, medical screenings, and interviews.

Immigration attorneys say the suspension raises serious concerns about due process and the long-term stability of individuals legally residing in the U.S. under humanitarian protection.

“This leaves vulnerable people, many of whom fled persecution and violence, in a state of uncertainty,” said an immigration attorney who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation.

The Trump administration has previously targeted refugee and asylum programs for rollback, including humanitarian parole initiatives introduced under President Biden to accommodate migrants from Latin America and Ukraine. Those programs have also faced suspension under the current administration.

In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed that the pause in green card processing is intended to comply with two executive orders issued by President Trump. One of those orders reexamines vetting procedures introduced under the Biden administration, with the goal of what officials describe as “restoring national security standards.”

Beyond halting green card applications, the administration has also intensified scrutiny of immigrants’ online presence. New guidelines require applicants for lawful status—including green cards, visas, and citizenship—to submit their social media handles to USCIS. Officials say the data will be used to verify identity and assess national security risks.

In the past, such checks were limited to public information. Under the updated policy, immigrants must now proactively provide their account information, raising privacy concerns among civil rights groups.

The Trump administration has defended the new policies as necessary measures to combat fraud and protect the homeland. However, critics argue that these steps amount to overreach and could deter legitimate asylum seekers from completing the legal process.

As of now, there is no public timeline for when, or if, green card processing for refugees and asylees will resume. Legal challenges to the executive orders are expected in the coming weeks.