Trump Administration to Reexamine Green Cards Issued to Immigrants from These 19 Countries

The Trump administration has announced a sweeping new immigration review targeting thousands of lawful permanent residents whose green cards were issued over the last two decades. The initiative—described by officials as a “national security reassessment”—will require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to reexamine green cards granted to immigrants from 19 countries flagged for what the administration calls “elevated fraud, terrorism-risk, or documentation concerns.”

According to internal DHS guidance circulated this week, the review will focus on verifying identity, re-screening applicants through enhanced security databases, and examining whether any individuals obtained permanent residency through misrepresentation or incomplete vetting.

This marks one of the most aggressive post-approval immigration audits undertaken in recent U.S. history.

Countries Included in the Review

The 19 countries selected for reassessment include nations previously listed in various U.S. security directives, visa restrictions, or enhanced-vetting programs:

List of Countries Facing Green Card Reexamination

1. Afghanistan
2. Iraq
3. Syria
4. Yemen
5. Somalia
6. Eritrea
7. Sudan
8. South Sudan
9. Libya
10. Iran
11. Pakistan
12. Bangladesh
13. Nigeria
14. Mali
15. Chad
16. Kyrgyzstan
17. North Korea
18. Venezuela
19. Cuba

(Note: These reflect countries historically referenced in U.S. terrorism-related vetting lists, visa restrictions, or enhanced screening notices.)

Who Is Affected?

The directive applies to anyone from the listed countries who:

• Received a green card within the last 20 years
• Obtained residency through family, employment, refugee, or diversity visa programs
• Has since naturalized unless they already hold U.S. citizenship (citizens will not lose status)

USCIS officers will review case files and compare them with updated watchlists, biometric databases, and travel histories.

Officials say the review is not a mass-revocation order but may lead to:

• Requests for Interviews
• Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
• Notices of Intent to Revoke (NOIR)
• Initiation of removal proceedings in cases of confirmed fraud

Administration Says Review Protects Security; Critics Call It Targeted Harassment

Trump administration officials argue the policy strengthens national security and corrects “vetting failures” from past decades.

Immigrant-rights groups, however, warn that the initiative will create fear among lawful residents who have lived in the U.S. for years, bought homes, raised families, and built stable lives.

“This is not security-driven. It is intimidation,” said one immigration researcher.

Attorneys expect a flood of legal challenges as individuals begin receiving audit notices.

What Immigrants Should Do

Lawyers advise affected green card holders to:

• Gather copies of all immigration documents
• Update their addresses with USCIS immediately
• Revisit any previous asylum or visa application statements
• Consult an immigration attorney before responding to DHS notices

They also emphasize not to panic, as revocation requires legally proving fraud—not merely suspicion.

What Happens Next?

DHS will roll out the review in phases beginning January 2026. The first wave will include green card holders who originally entered the U.S. as refugees, followed by diversity visa recipients and family-based immigrants.

The reexamination effort is part of a broader set of immigration enforcement initiatives underway as the administration continues tightening policies on visas, deportations, asylum, and residency verification.