The Trump administration has quietly paused the processing of green card applications for refugees and asylum recipients, freezing the legal status of individuals who had previously been cleared to remain in the United States, CBS News has learned. Multiple sources have confirmed that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently issued directives to suspend these applications, although no formal public announcement has been made regarding the change.
Department of Homeland Security Statement
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has linked this policy shift to two executive actions signed by former President Donald Trump. One of these executive orders specifically mandates a reassessment of immigration vetting policies implemented during the Biden administration.
“USCIS is placing a temporary pause on finalizing certain Adjustment of Status applications pending the completion of additional screening and vetting to identify potential fraud, public safety, or national security concerns, in alignment with President Trump’s executive actions,” DHS stated. Adjustment of Status refers to the official process through which immigrants transition to lawful permanent residency in the United States.
Enhanced Scrutiny of Social Media Activity
As part of a broader initiative to strengthen immigration screening, the Trump administration is also expanding the examination of social media profiles for individuals applying for legal status, including green cards, asylum, and U.S. citizenship. USCIS has confirmed that this policy is intended to enhance identity verification and national security screening efforts.
While social media reviews had previously been conducted in selective immigration cases, the new directive mandates that all applicants submit their social media handles for government evaluation. Although passwords will not be required, this data will be utilized to verify identities and assess potential security risks.
Impact of Executive Order 14161
A notice dated March 5, 2025, from the Department of Homeland Security outlines plans to collect social media information from over 3.5 million immigrants annually. This measure applies to a broad spectrum of applicants, including individuals seeking green cards, U.S. citizenship, and other immigration benefits. The policy stems from Executive Order 14161, signed by President Trump in January 2025, which aims to tighten immigration screening protocols.
Under this new rule, USCIS will now require applicants to disclose their social media handles on nine key immigration forms. While direct access to private account credentials will not be requested, the information will be used as a tool for verifying identities and evaluating potential threats to national security.
The temporary halt on green card processing for refugees and asylum recipients, coupled with the increased scrutiny of social media activity, marks a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy. The move underscores the administration’s broader strategy to reinforce vetting procedures and address security concerns within the immigration system.
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