USCIS Tightens Green Card Screening, Pauses Immigrant Visas from 75 Countries
January 17, 2026
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued fresh warnings about Green Card applicants, revealing tougher crime screenings. In one case, USCIS found that an applicant was wanted for homicide by Mexico. Another applicant from Canada, charged with drunk driving and resisting arrest, was caught during an immigration interview and arrested.
USCIS stated, "Green cards are for those who follow the law, not those who break it." The agency added, "Crime doesn't lead to a green card, it leads to arrest and removal."
Green Cards are closely monitored because they are the first step towards US citizenship and come with benefits like Emergency Medicaid. After five years as a Green Card holder, immigrants may access Medicaid, food stamps, and apply for naturalization.
In a related move, the US State Department has indefinitely paused all immigrant visa applications from 75 countries starting January 21. This pause will last until officials reassess the level of government support these nationals receive in the US.
The visa pause does not affect travelers or students unless their country is already under an existing travel ban.
The list of 75 countries includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cuba, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Russia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, and many others.
This move shows a tighter grip on immigration as the US government focuses on lawful entry and support systems for immigrants.
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Tags:
Uscis
Green Card
Immigration
Visa Pause
Crime Screening
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