Just hours after announcing a freeze on new migration, the Trump administration escalated its security agenda by directing USCIS and ICE to conduct a file-by-file review of lawful permanent residents from 19 “countries of concern.” According to officials speaking on background, the list mirrors nations subject to the June 2025 entry suspension and includes Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia, Haiti, Venezuela and others.
Under the order, any green-card holder who appears to have provided “incomplete or misleading information” during the immigration process could be referred for deportation proceedings. The Department of Justice has been asked to expedite removal cases that implicate public-safety or national-security factors. Civil liberties groups note that the INA limits rescission of permanent residence to the first five years after issuance, but the new directive argues that fraud can be pursued at any time.
![Administration Orders ‘Rigorous Re-Examination’ of Green-Card Holders from 19 Nations]()
For global employers, the most immediate impact is psychological: many long-term employees who have lived in the United States for years may suddenly fear travel or even routine green-card renewals. Mobility teams will need to coordinate closely with counsel, advising affected staff to maintain meticulous travel and tax records and to consult attorneys before filing naturalization applications.
The policy could also strain agency capacity. USCIS has an estimated 9 million active permanent residents from the designated countries; re-vetting even a fraction will require substantial manpower and could delay adjudication of new benefit requests across the board.
Legal experts expect constitutional challenges, citing equal-protection and due-process grounds. Until courts weigh in, however, companies should assume longer background-check timelines and possible RFEs (Requests for Evidence) on existing green-card renewals.
Under the order, any green-card holder who appears to have provided “incomplete or misleading information” during the immigration process could be referred for deportation proceedings. The Department of Justice has been asked to expedite removal cases that implicate public-safety or national-security factors. Civil liberties groups note that the INA limits rescission of permanent residence to the first five years after issuance, but the new directive argues that fraud can be pursued at any time.
For global employers, the most immediate impact is psychological: many long-term employees who have lived in the United States for years may suddenly fear travel or even routine green-card renewals. Mobility teams will need to coordinate closely with counsel, advising affected staff to maintain meticulous travel and tax records and to consult attorneys before filing naturalization applications.
The policy could also strain agency capacity. USCIS has an estimated 9 million active permanent residents from the designated countries; re-vetting even a fraction will require substantial manpower and could delay adjudication of new benefit requests across the board.
Legal experts expect constitutional challenges, citing equal-protection and due-process grounds. Until courts weigh in, however, companies should assume longer background-check timelines and possible RFEs (Requests for Evidence) on existing green-card renewals.
