A sweeping immigration pause under President Donald Trump is leaving hundreds of thousands of people, including U.S. citizens and their families, in legal uncertainty, as the government halts the processing of visas, green cards, work permits, and citizenship applications tied to a travel ban affecting 39 countries.

The policy, introduced after a late-2025 security incident in Washington, D.C., has now been in effect for months. While administration officials say the measure is necessary for national security, immigrants, legal experts, and affected Americans describe widespread disruption to livelihoods, education, and family life.

Applications Frozen, Lives Disrupted

The pause has stopped decisions on applications handled by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, leaving many unable to work or renew their legal status.

According to NPR interviews, individuals from affected countries report losing job offers, missing academic opportunities, and struggling to cover daily expenses.

A medical graduate from Nigeria, identified only as M, said she may lose her place in a U.S. surgical residency program because her work authorization remains pending.

“I worked years for this moment,” she said, adding that uncertainty around her status has overshadowed what should have been a milestone achievement.

Others describe similar setbacks. A researcher from Myanmar working in cancer studies said her expected promotion is now out of reach after her work permit renewal was paused.

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“It’s disappointing to lose something I worked toward because of where I was born,” she said.

Immigrants also report financial strain. Some paid thousands of dollars for expedited processing, only to see their applications stalled indefinitely. David Bier of the Cato Institute criticized the system, saying applicants paid for services that were not delivered.

U.S. Citizens Caught in the Fallout

The effects extend beyond immigrants to American citizens trying to secure legal status for spouses and family members.

Isaac Narvaez Gomez, a U.S. citizen, told NPR that his wife’s green card process has stalled despite entering the country legally using another nationality. The delay has prevented the couple from taking basic steps such as opening joint bank accounts or enrolling in health insurance.

“This is not just affecting immigrants,” he said. “It’s affecting U.S. citizens who are trying to build their lives.”

In another case, a U.S. citizen married to a Haitian national said their application for permanent residency has been frozen, leaving the family uncertain about their future.

The spouse had previously lived and worked legally in the United States under a temporary protection program.

Immigration attorney Zachary New, who represents hundreds of affected individuals, said the pause is unprecedented in its scope. He estimates that a significant share of pending applications is affected, placing many at risk of losing legal status.

“That uncertainty forces people to ask whether they should leave the country or risk detention,” New said.

Policy Justified as a Security Measure

Officials from the Department of Homeland Security have defended the pause, saying it allows for stricter vetting of applicants from countries considered high-risk.

A spokesperson said verifying identities and personal histories “requires a rigorous process” and that the government is prioritizing public safety.

Supporters of the policy argue it sends a strong message about immigration enforcement. Brandy Perez Carbaugh of the Heritage Foundation said the move reinforces that the U.S. immigration system is not an entitlement and should prioritize security concerns.

Also Read: Illegal Immigrants Face New Crackdown as Trump Targets Asylum System Loopholes

However, critics note that not all affected countries are linked to security threats. Some were included due to high visa overstay rates, raising questions about the breadth of the restrictions.

Why This Matters

The pause shows a shift in U.S. immigration policy under President Trump, expanding enforcement beyond border control to people already living legally in the country.

With nearly 12 million applications reportedly pending, delays risk pushing individuals into legal limbo, making them vulnerable to detention or deportation. Legal challenges are already underway, with multiple lawsuits arguing that indefinite delays violate federal obligations to process applications in a timely manner.

Beyond legal debates, the human impact is immediate. Hospitals risk losing medical residents, universities may see fewer international scholars, and families face separation or prolonged uncertainty.

For U.S. citizens, the issue cuts closer to home. As cases like Narvaez Gomez’s show, the policy is not only about immigration enforcement but also about whether Americans can live, work, and build families without government delays standing in the way.