Immigration lawyer: ALERT—USCIS freezes 39 countries

If you (or a loved one) are from one of the reported 39 countries affected by a new USCIS security policy, your immigration case may not be “denied” at all—it may be quietly paused. An immigration lawyer can help you spot the difference, protect your place in line, and avoid mistakes that trigger delays or even removal issues.

Quick Summary (Read This First)

What happened: News reports say USCIS has frozen (paused) 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 is paused, you may face longer processing, missed work/travel plans, or higher risk if you travel while a benefit is pending.

What to do now: Confirm your case status, preserve proof of filing, and prepare for added screening (RFEs, interviews, biometrics, and security checks).

What This News Means for North Carolina Residents

Why this matters in real life (jobs, school, family)

According to a recent report, USCIS has frozen immigration applications for nationals of 39 countries as part of a new security policy (see this news report about the USCIS freeze).

For many families in North Carolina, a “freeze” can create the same stress as a denial. Rent is due, your EAD renewal may be pending, your spouse may be overseas, and your child’s school or financial aid timeline does not pause.

A “freeze” is not always a denial (but it can still hurt)

In USCIS practice, a case can slow down for several reasons: background checks, security vetting, missing records, internal review, or policy changes. Sometimes you will see a status that looks normal (“Case Is Being Actively Reviewed”) even when the file is not moving.

That is why many people call an immigration lawyer after months of silence: not because they did something wrong, but because the system changed around them.

Who may be most exposed to new screening

This kind of security-based pause tends to hit hardest when someone needs a time-sensitive benefit, such as:

An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) renewal tied to a pending application
Advance Parole (travel permission) while adjustment of status is pending
A family-based petition where the beneficiary is outside the U.S.
Asylum-related benefits, TPS-related benefits, or humanitarian filings

If you live in North Carolina and work in healthcare, construction, food service, or logistics, even a short delay can cause job loss because employers often require valid work authorization on specific dates.

What to Do in the Next 24-48 Hours

Infographic: Immigration lawyer: ALERT—USCIS freezes 39 countries

1) Confirm what’s actually pending (and where)

Start by separating what you think is pending from what USCIS records show. A freeze can affect one benefit while another keeps moving.

2) Preserve proof and build a clean timeline

Delays often turn into Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or interview scheduling issues. A clean paper trail helps you respond fast.

3) Pause risky travel decisions until you verify

International travel can be high-risk for many pending cases. If new security screening is being applied, re-entry questions may increase, even if you have traveled before.

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

Step 1: Document everything—download your USCIS receipt notices, screenshot your online case status, and write down key dates (filing date, biometrics, RFE deadlines).
Step 2: Check whether any dependent cases are tied to the paused filing (for example, an EAD linked to a pending adjustment or asylum filing).
Step 3: Do NOT withdraw, refile, or “start over” just because you heard about a freeze—refiling can reset the clock and create new inconsistencies.
Step 4: Consult with a legal expert to understand your rights and options

Warning Signs & Red Flags to Watch For

USCIS delay red flags that should not be ignored

Some delays are normal. Others are warning signs that a case is stuck, misrouted, or at higher risk due to screening changes.

Scams surge during “freeze” news cycles

When people panic, scammers move fast. Be cautious with anyone promising “instant approvals” or asking for money to “unfreeze” a case.

Travel and re-entry trouble signs

If you are from a flagged country and you travel while a case is pending, you may face extra questions at the airport or even be denied boarding if documents don’t match your status.

These are signs your case may be in jeopardy:

Your USCIS case status has not changed for months and you missed (or never received) a notice due to an address issue.
You receive an RFE or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) asking for identity, military, or travel-history details you already submitted—this can signal heightened screening.
Someone tells you they can “fix” the freeze for a fee, or asks you to sign blank forms or provide false information.

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.

Your Rights: What You CAN and CANNOT Do

You can get legal help at any stage

You generally have the right to be represented by counsel (at no expense to the government) in USCIS matters and in Immigration Court proceedings. Representation can be especially important when policy shifts create uncertainty.

You can respond to RFEs/NOIDs—but deadlines are strict

If you get an RFE or NOID, you can (and should) respond with organized, relevant evidence. Missing the deadline often leads to denial, even if your underlying case is strong.

Key Statistics and Data for Immigration lawyer: ALERT—USCIS freezes 39 countries

You can protect work and travel decisions—but must verify eligibility

Some applicants can extend work authorization automatically with timely renewals, while others cannot. Travel rules can be even stricter, especially for people with prior unlawful presence or removal orders.

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO:

Review your own filings and USCIS notices, and request your records (including via FOIA in some situations).
Submit evidence that addresses identity, background, travel history, prior addresses, and any requested security-related details.
Have an attorney prepare you for interviews and communicate with the agency when appropriate.

YOU CANNOT:

Ignore an RFE/NOID deadline—USCIS can deny for failure to respond.
Assume international travel is safe because “nothing went wrong last time”—a new security policy can change inspection and re-entry outcomes.

Vasquez Law Firm, PLLC helps North Carolina clients understand and protect their rights every day.

Documents You'll Need (Save This Checklist)

Identity and nationality documents

When screening increases, identity consistency matters more than ever. Even small differences in spelling can trigger delays.

Your full immigration filing history (not just the current case)

USCIS often cross-checks old entries, exits, prior applications, and past addresses. Prepare for questions that go back many years.

Supporting records that explain “complicated” facts

If anything in your history could raise questions (prior visa refusals, arrests, prior removal orders, military service, or multiple passports), gather records before you are asked.

Gather these documents NOW (before they disappear):

USCIS receipt notices (Form I-797) for every pending case
Copy of the full filing packet you submitted (forms, exhibits, translations, filing fee proof)
Passport(s), national ID, birth certificate, and certified translations
Prior immigration documents: I-94s, visas, approval notices, prior denials, prior removal paperwork (if any)
Address history, travel history, and employment history (a simple timeline helps)

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

KEY TAKEAWAY:

In a “freeze” environment, the biggest risk is not the pause itself—it’s missing a notice, misunderstanding a deadline, or traveling when you shouldn’t. Build your timeline and stay reachable.

Legal Background and Context

Where USCIS gets authority to request more screening

USCIS has broad authority to request evidence, run background checks, and determine eligibility before approving an immigration benefit. The agency’s procedures and filing requirements are detailed on USCIS.gov, including how cases are processed and when additional evidence may be required.

Many benefit categories are governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and related regulations in Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations. For example, adjustment of status is tied to INA eligibility rules and statutory requirements in 8 U.S.C. § 1255 (with related regulatory rules in 8 C.F.R. Part 245).

Security-related inadmissibility and heightened review

When the government increases security screening, it may focus on identity verification, background checks, and grounds of inadmissibility that relate to security and foreign policy concerns. Those issues can implicate INA § 212(a) categories (for example, terrorism-related inadmissibility grounds), depending on the facts of a case.

Importantly, a pause does not automatically mean USCIS believes you are inadmissible. It can also mean the agency is waiting on a check, a clearance, or internal guidance.

USCIS vs. consulates: why processing can “split”

Some families have both USCIS processing (petitions, work permits, adjustment filings) and U.S. consulate processing (visa issuance). Visa issuance guidance and security checks can also affect timelines; see the U.S. Department of State’s visa information at travel.state.gov.

If your matter is in Immigration Court (or could be), procedures and case status tools are managed by EOIR; see the Executive Office for Immigration Review. North Carolina residents commonly interact with the Charlotte Immigration Court, depending on the case type and venue.

For readers looking for a deeper overview of services and case types, see our Immigration Law services page for examples of the matters an immigration lawyer can handle.

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

We diagnose the real problem (not the rumor)

Policy news can be alarming, but each case has its own risk points: prior entries, missing documents, name variations, prior filings, or deadlines that were triggered without you realizing it. A skilled immigration lawyer starts by mapping your facts to the exact benefit rules.

We build a “screening-ready” file

When screening increases, clarity wins. We help clients assemble clean timelines, consistent identity evidence, and targeted exhibits that answer likely questions before USCIS asks.

If court becomes part of the case, we prepare for it early

Not every USCIS delay turns into court. But if a case intersects with removal proceedings, preparation matters. Attorney Vasquez, JD, has 15 years of experience and is admitted to the North Carolina State Bar and the Florida Bar.

Process Timeline for Immigration lawyer: ALERT—USCIS freezes 39 countries

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

Step 1: We review your case for free and tell you honestly if you have a claim
Step 2: We handle all paperwork and deadlines so nothing gets missed
Step 3: We fight insurance tactics - we know their playbook
Step 4: We maximize your settlement or take it to hearing if needed

Real example: “A client living near Charlotte had a pending family-based case and an EAD renewal. After months of no movement, we identified a notice-delivery problem and rebuilt the response packet with a clear identity and address history timeline. The client completed biometrics and the work authorization was issued, allowing them to keep their job while the main case continued.” - Attorney Vasquez

We serve North Carolina residents across Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, and surrounding communities. Se Habla Español.

Frequently Asked Questions (Specific to This Situation)

These answers are general information, not legal advice. A “freeze” can affect people differently depending on the benefit type and personal history.

1) If I’m a national of one of the 39 countries, does USCIS automatically freeze my case?

Not always. Reports describe a policy affecting certain applications for nationals of specific countries, but the impact can depend on the form type, where the case is processed, and whether additional vetting is triggered. Many people only learn something changed when processing times stretch or an RFE arrives.

2) My case says “Actively Reviewed.” Could it still be frozen?

Yes. USCIS status messages are broad and do not always tell you whether a file is waiting on security checks or internal review. If you are in North Carolina and your case has exceeded normal time ranges, it may be worth checking for missed mail, duplicate filings, or unresolved requests.

3) Can I travel from North Carolina while my adjustment of status and Advance Parole are pending?

Travel can be risky without approved Advance Parole (or another valid travel basis) and may create re-entry issues depending on your history. With increased screening, the practical risk is higher: you may face longer inspection, document questions, or complications if a notice is issued while you are away.

4) What if my EAD renewal is tied to a case affected by the freeze?

Some applicants qualify for automatic extensions based on timely filing and category, but not everyone does. If your work authorization is at risk, the key is verifying the category, filing date, and whether your receipt notice supports continued employment eligibility while pending.

5) I live in North Carolina and my spouse is abroad. Does a USCIS freeze stop consular processing too?

USCIS petition approval and consular visa issuance are related but not identical. A USCIS pause can delay the petition stage, while consular processing has its own security checks and scheduling constraints. It is common for families to see “gaps” where one stage moves and the other slows.

6) If USCIS issues an RFE asking for more background or travel details, what should I send?

Send exactly what is requested, in an organized way, by the deadline. In a heightened-screening environment, consistency matters: names, dates, addresses, and passport numbers should match across documents. If something does not match, include a clear explanation and supporting records (like certified translations or official corrections).

Don't Navigate This Alone

If you're dealing with an immigration application delay or freeze tied to new security screening, 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 →

Call Now: 1-844-967-3536

Se Habla Español - Hablamos Su Idioma

Immigration lawyer: ALERT—USCIS freezes 39 countries