Immigration Lawyer: ALERT—USCIS Freeze Hits 39 Nations

If you or a family member is from one of the affected countries, this USCIS “freeze” can feel sudden and scary. An immigration lawyer can help you understand what this policy may pause, what it may not pause, and how to protect your case while the government increases security screening.

Quick Summary (Read This First)

What happened: Reports indicate USCIS has paused (or “frozen”) certain immigration applications for nationals of 39 countries under a new security policy.

Why it matters to you: If you live in North Carolina and your case depends on USCIS processing (work permits, adjustment, asylum-related benefits, family petitions), delays can affect jobs, travel, and legal status planning.

What to do now: Confirm your current case stage, avoid risky travel, and start gathering identity and eligibility evidence so you can respond fast to any USCIS request or interview notice.

What This News Means for North Carolina Residents

What “USCIS freeze” can mean in real life

When the news says USCIS “freezes” applications, it often means USCIS is holding certain filings at a processing stage while extra vetting happens. That can look like:

Longer waits with no updates
More Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or interview notices
More “background/security check” delays
Cases routed into additional review units before approval

Because the details can change fast, it’s important to track what USCIS is actually doing and what your specific case is (type of benefit, filing category, and stage).

Why this hits families and employers across North Carolina

North Carolina has large immigrant communities and many employers that rely on timely work authorization and stable immigration status. A pause can disrupt:

Employment: delayed EAD renewals can cause lost work eligibility
Family unity: delayed approvals can delay next steps for spouses and children
Travel: risky departures while cases are pending can create re-entry problems
School plans: students may face timing issues for changes of status or dependent benefits

What we know from the reporting

Initial reporting describes a new security policy affecting nationals of 39 countries and a resulting pause in some application processing. Read the report here: USCIS freeze reporting on Google News.

If you are in Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, or anywhere else in North Carolina, the practical question is the same: what does this do to my timeline and my risk? That is where an immigration lawyer can add real value—by translating a headline into a plan that fits your status and deadlines.

What to Do in the Next 24-48 Hours

Infographic: Immigration Lawyer: ALERT—USCIS Freeze Hits 39 Nations

First, stabilize your case (don’t guess)

Headlines can create panic. The goal in the next day or two is to get accurate facts about your case and reduce avoidable risk.

Second, assume USCIS will ask for more proof

When security screening increases, USCIS often leans harder on documentation. You want to be ready before a deadline starts running.

If this situation applies to you, take these steps NOW:

Step 1: Pull your full USCIS case history: receipt numbers, filing dates, copies of every form, and every notice you’ve received.
Step 2: Check your deadlines: EAD expiration date, I-94 expiration, visa expiration, and any RFE/interview response dates.
Step 3: Avoid avoidable “triggers”: do not travel internationally without a clear, case-specific review of advance parole/visa risks and re-entry issues.
Step 4: Consult with a legal expert to understand your rights and options

Why timing matters even if USCIS is “paused”

A pause does not always stop other clocks. Your underlying status, work authorization dates, and immigration court dates (if any) still matter. In North Carolina, many people learn about a problem only after an employer re-verification or a missed notice.

Warning Signs & Red Flags to Watch For

Signs your case may be heading into a denial or long delay

In a higher-security environment, small mistakes can become big problems. Watch for these issues early.

These are signs your case may be in jeopardy:

Your USCIS case status hasn’t moved for months and you receive repeated “background check” language with no clear next step.
You receive an RFE asking for identity, travel history, military/police records, or “all passports ever issued” and you can’t locate them quickly.
You are told to travel, withdraw, or refile “to speed things up,” especially by non-lawyers or notarios.

Seeing these signs? Vasquez Law Firm, PLLC has handled hundreds of denied claims in North Carolina. Attorney Vasquez knows the tactics insurers use. Get a free case evaluation.

A special warning: notario and “consultant” scams rise during freezes

Whenever processing slows, scams go up. Be cautious if someone promises a “guaranteed approval,” asks you to sign blank forms, or tells you to invent travel or work history. USCIS can treat inconsistencies as credibility issues or misrepresentation.

Your Rights: What You CAN and CANNOT Do

Your rights during USCIS processing and extra vetting

Even when the government tightens screening, you still have important rights. The key is to use them wisely and avoid actions that create new problems.

Key Statistics and Data for Immigration Lawyer: ALERT—USCIS Freeze Hits 39 Nations

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO:

Receive written notice of most USCIS decisions and many requests (RFEs, NOIDs) and a chance to respond within the stated deadline.
Bring an attorney to USCIS interviews (and have them communicate with USCIS using a Form G-28 appearance).
Request case information through your USCIS online account and, in some situations, use FOIA to obtain records.

YOU CANNOT:

Ignore an RFE/NOID deadline and assume the “freeze” protects you—missed deadlines can still lead to denial.
Assume international travel is safe just because you have a pending case; leaving can trigger re-entry issues, bars, or abandonment findings depending on your benefit type.

If you’re unsure how this applies to your status, get advice before you act—small choices now can have long-term effects.

Work authorization and I-9 realities

If your EAD is expiring, talk to your employer’s HR carefully and early. Some categories qualify for automatic extensions if filed on time; others do not. Keep copies of your receipts and eligibility documents in one place so you can respond to re-verification requests without scrambling.

Documents You'll Need (Save This Checklist)

Identity and nationality evidence that often matters in security review

In a heightened security policy, USCIS may focus more on identity, travel history, and civil documents. The sooner you gather them, the easier it is to respond quickly.

Gather these documents NOW (before they disappear):

Current and expired passports (all pages), plus travel documents used for entry
Birth certificate (with certified translation if not in English)
National ID card(s), consular ID, and prior names/aliases documentation
I-94 record, visa stamps, entry records, and any prior USCIS approval notices
Police certificates/court dispositions for any arrests or charges (in the U.S. or abroad)

Tip: Keep all documents organized in one folder - it makes the process much easier.

Case-specific documents that reduce delays

USCIS delays often happen when the file is thin or inconsistent. Depending on your benefit type, consider gathering:

Family cases: joint lease, joint bills, photos, messages, tax transcripts
Employment cases: pay stubs, W-2s, detailed job letter, organizational chart
Humanitarian cases: affidavits, medical/mental health records, country condition evidence

KEY TAKEAWAY:

A “freeze” often increases documentation pressure. The best way to protect your case is to respond fast, consistently, and with complete proof—especially on identity, travel, and any criminal/court history.

Legal Background and Context

Why USCIS can slow or hold cases for security screening

USCIS has authority to request evidence, conduct interviews, and complete background/security checks before approving many immigration benefits. Screening can include biographic and biometric checks and coordination with other agencies.

USCIS also publishes policy guidance and processing frameworks on its official site: USCIS (official).

USCIS processing vs. consular processing (Department of State)

Many families confuse USCIS delays with embassy/consulate delays. USCIS handles many benefits inside the U.S. (like adjustment of status and many work permits). The U.S. Department of State handles visas abroad and has its own security review tools and timelines.

For visa and travel basics, see: U.S. visa information (travel.state.gov).

If you’re in removal proceedings (EOIR), the rules can be different

If you have a case in immigration court (for example, at the Charlotte Immigration Court), USCIS delays can still affect parts of your strategy—but court deadlines and hearing dates keep moving unless the judge changes them. The immigration court system is under EOIR (Department of Justice): Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).

Because of this split system, an immigration lawyer will usually start by identifying which agency actually controls your next step: USCIS, a consulate, or EOIR.

How Vasquez Law Firm, PLLC Helps North Carolina Clients Win These Cases

How we build a case that survives extra screening

Extra security review tends to expose weak documentation, inconsistencies, and missed deadlines. Our team focuses on building a file that answers questions before USCIS asks them.

Serving North Carolina residents for years, Attorney Vasquez (JD) brings 15 years of immigration experience and is admitted to the North Carolina State Bar and the Florida Bar. Se Habla Español.

What we do (and why it works)

Our experienced team, led by Attorney Vasquez, has helped hundreds of North Carolina clients. Here's exactly how we help:

Process Timeline for Immigration Lawyer: ALERT—USCIS Freeze Hits 39 Nations

Step 1: We identify what agency controls your next step and what “pause” risks apply to your category
Step 2: We audit your file for identity/travel/history gaps that often trigger RFEs or background-check holds
Step 3: We prepare you for interviews so answers match the record and documents are consistent
Step 4: We track notices and deadlines so a delay doesn’t turn into a denial

Real example (what “freeze-ready” preparation looks like)

Real example: “We helped a North Carolina family whose case stalled after additional screening. USCIS questioned identity records and travel history. We organized certified civil documents, corrected inconsistent translations, submitted a clear timeline of travel and addresses, and prepared the client for a focused interview. The case moved forward after months of silence.” - Attorney Vasquez

Frequently Asked Questions (Specific to This Situation)

How the 39-country freeze may affect common USCIS filings

1) If I’m from one of the 39 countries, will USCIS stop my pending I-485 adjustment in North Carolina?
It may slow it down, especially at the background check, interview, or final adjudication stage. It does not automatically mean denial. The practical impact is usually added review, more requests for identity/travel documents, and longer waits.

2) Does the reported USCIS freeze affect EAD work permits (Form I-765) tied to a pending case?
It can, depending on your eligibility category and what stage your underlying case is in. Some EAD categories are closely tied to the main case (like adjustment-based EADs), so a hold on the main case can create work authorization timing problems. Track your EAD expiration and keep your receipt notices ready for your employer.

3) I live in North Carolina and need to travel soon—should I leave the U.S. while my case is “stuck”?
Travel can be high risk when policies change. Leaving the U.S. may trigger abandonment issues for certain filings, or re-entry problems depending on your status, unlawful presence history, and the document you plan to use to return (visa, advance parole, etc.). Get case-specific advice before booking travel.

4) What if USCIS asks for police certificates or foreign court records that my home country won’t issue?
USCIS sometimes accepts alternatives, but you typically need to show strong proof of your attempt to obtain the document (requests, receipts, consular correspondence) and provide secondary evidence. In higher-security review, how you document “unavailable records” can make or break the response.

5) Can this new security policy affect my consular interview abroad, even if USCIS already approved my petition?
Yes. USCIS approval (like an I-130 or I-140) does not guarantee visa issuance. Consulates can place cases into administrative processing and request additional security vetting. Check Department of State guidance and be prepared for longer timelines.

6) My family member is in immigration court (EOIR) and we also have a USCIS filing—does the freeze change court dates in Charlotte?
Usually, no. Immigration court schedules typically continue unless the judge grants a continuance or changes the calendar. If your strategy depends on a USCIS decision (like an adjustment or waiver), delays can affect what you ask the judge for and when.

7) I’m in Raleigh and my USCIS case status hasn’t changed—when should I worry?
If your case is far outside normal processing times, if your EAD is expiring, or if you receive an RFE/NOID you can’t answer quickly, it’s time to take it seriously. In this environment, silence can be normal—but missed deadlines are not.

Don't Navigate This Alone

If you're dealing with USCIS delays or a freeze affecting nationals of certain countries, Vasquez Law Firm, PLLC can help. With 15+ years serving North Carolina, we know what works.

Free consultation. Bilingual team. No fees unless we win.

Get Your Free Case Review →

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Immigration Lawyer: ALERT—USCIS Freeze Hits 39 Nations