The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have expanded a processing pause on certain immigration benefit applications to include nationals of 20 additional countries. This expanded hold took effect January 1, 2026 and affects adjudication of immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, adjustment of status (green card) applications, naturalization, work authorization, travel documents, and asylum petitions.