Texas Families Impacted by Pause on 19-Country Immigration

 Posted on December 17, 2025 in Immigration

On December 3, 2025, immigration applications from 19 countries subject to a travel ban were paused indefinitely. The administration claimed the pause was due to national security concerns. The policy memo posted to the website of US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) also placed an immediate "adjudicative hold" on all asylum applications, regardless of the person’s nationality, and directed a review of "high-risk countries of concern" admitted after January 20, 2021.

The administration also stated that "anyone who is not a net asset to the United States" would be removed. This news sent shockwaves through many Texas communities. Families who were already navigating the long, stressful immigration process now face considerably more uncertainty.

Stalled case updates, sudden eligibility questions, concerns about whether loved ones will reach the U.S., and worries about whether those already here will be forced to leave are all likely. Employers sponsoring workers, Texans with immigrant relatives, or individuals waiting on consular processing must understand what this new "pause" actually means. An experienced Dallas, TX immigration attorney is ready to help you understand your best path forward.

What Types of Applications Are Affected by the 19-Country Immigration Pause?

The 19-country immigration pause freezes or delays a vast array of U.S. immigration applications, affecting permanent status, temporary status, travel documents, and asylum requests for all nationalities, and requires intense new vetting and interviews, essentially halting new approvals from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Iran, Venezuela, and other countries as well. The most affected application types for nationals of the 19 countries include:

• Permanent residence: green card applications, renewals (Form I-90), and removing conditions (Form I-751).
• Naturalization applications (Form N-400) and related interviews and ceremonies for citizenship.
• Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) with reduced validity periods
• Applications to change or extend nonimmigrant status (H-1B, L-1, F-1, J-1), although some nonimmigrant visas were suspended earlier.
• Advance Parole Form and other travel-related documents.
• All asylum applications are paused for all nationalities, not just the 19 countries.  

USCIS will not adjudicate new applications, and existing interviews and naturalization ceremonies will be canceled. There will be an intense re-review of previously approved benefits, potentially leading to new interviews and denials.

How Does the Pause Affect Texas Immigrants?

Texas immigrants and family members are now caught in a dual wave of federal immigration restrictions and state-level enforcement efforts, creating widespread disruption and anxiety. Families and individuals from the affected countries face confusion and fear, unsure of how they can extend status or proceed with applications.

Slower international migration due to crackdowns is already contributing to weaker job growth in Texas, impacting the sectors most reliant on immigrant labor (construction, farming, hospitality, and oil). Project disruptions are likely, particularly in large cities like Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio.

Texas typically has a high volume of family-based petitions, which could leave adult children and spouses stuck outside the United States. The effect will extend to asylees or refugees waiting on family reunification, as well as students and temporary workers.  

Are There Any Exceptions or Workarounds to the 19-Country Pause?

There are very few exceptions or workarounds available. Humanitarian parole is rare, but technically possible. A national interest exception could allow certain travelers to enter the United States despite a travel ban or restriction if the entry is deemed to support the national interests. In some cases, emergency consular appointments could be available for those with medical emergencies, adoption cases, and military families. Some waivers may still be available, and there could be refiling strategies if the pause is lifted.

Contact a Dallas, TX Immigration Lawyer

If you or your family have been affected by the administration’s pause on immigration applications from 19 countries, do not navigate the uncertainty alone. A Plano, TX family immigration attorney from Law Office of Jae Lee can help you understand whether your case is impacted, identify any available exceptions, and prepare strong documentation for when processing resumes.

Attorney Lee works with clients one-on-one and can work remotely when necessary. You will work directly with Attorney Lee, whose parents went through the immigration process. Call 214-295-3014 to schedule your free consultation.