I-751 filing from countries on “pause” list

[Dan and Akari 48]

I realize the ink is still wet on the recent order to “pause” processing of green cards and citizenship requests from the 19  countries listed in the travel ban earlier this year, but I would like to start a conversation now to get feedback from anyone caught in the middle of this debacle. I assume I-751 applications will potentially be paused as well since te I-751 is in the path from Visa to citizenship. 
 

My wife is from Myanmar, and our I-751 filing window opens May 7, 2026 so we are preparing everything now. 
 

I will refrain from pontificating on why Myanmar is even on this list because the reality is that it is on the list. 

We are keen to hear about anyone’s experience that can help the community. 

[OldUser 11,042]

You should still file on time.

YouTube Lawyer (not mentioning name) is preparing class action law suit.

[Dashinka 26,293]

Not really sure I751s can be paused anymore than they already are, but in the end it does need to be filed according to the rules.

 

Good Luck!

[Edward and Jaycel 2,368]

File on-time... The pause, according to the policy memo, is a pause on adjudications. Theoretically this means that your application should be accepted and receipt notice with 48-month extension should be issued.

[JeanneAdil 7,359]

for the discussion the following is USCIS memo

 

https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/policy-alerts/PM-602-0192-PendingApplicationsHighRiskCountries-20251202.pdf

[Dan and Akari 48]

Thanks all for the quick replies. 
 

Filing on time was always our plan, and now that I-751 can be filed online we will file online. 

51 minutes ago, Edward and Jaycel said:

File on-time... The pause, according to the policy memo, is a pause on adjudications. Theoretically this means that your application should be accepted and receipt notice with 48-month extension should be issued.

The official memo states that there is an immediate pause on all “benefits requests” and the I-751 falls in the category of a benefits requests and is therefore paused. 
 

Hoping that this knee jerk reaction gets sorted before May.   

[Edward and Jaycel 2,368]

16 minutes ago, Dan and Akari said:

Thanks all for the quick replies. 
 

Filing on time was always our plan, and now that I-751 can be filed online we will file online. 

The official memo states that there is an immediate pause on all “benefits requests” and the I-751 falls in the category of a benefits requests and is therefore paused. 
 

Hoping that this knee jerk reaction gets sorted before May.   

 

Read the language carefully (especially pertinent in government Policy Memoranda) it says, "Place a hold on pending benefit requests". A benefit request is not "pending" until it has been accepted and a receipt notice issued. By this language, if they follow the memorandum, they should accept and receipt the I-751 (which includes the automatic 48-month extension). The adjudication of the benefit is then placed on hold. If it's not cleared up by May, file the I-751 as your window opens.

[JeanneAdil 7,359]

and careful ready also points out that USCIS will use full authority actually to do the work that has been in effect for over a decade /just looks like the officers will need to do complete thorough investigations according to sections of the manual in effect already

 

It seems to hit hard on asylum cases

 

This effort ensures that USCIS exercises its full authority to investigate immigration benefit requests filed by aliens who may pose risks to the national security and public safety of the United States, as outlined in DHS Delegation of Authority 0150.1, issued June 5, 2003. USCIS will conduct a thorough review on a case-by-case basis to assess benefit eligibility including whether: 1. The alien is listed in the Terrorist Screening Dataset (TSDS) as a Known or Suspected Terrorist (KST) under Tier 1 or Tier 2 classifications or is included in Tier 3 or Tier 4 of the TSDS with significant derogatory information related to the alien. 2. The alien is connected to prior, current, or planned involvement in, or association with, an activity, individual, or organization described in sections 212(a)(3)(A), (B), or (F), or 237(a)(4)(A) or (B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). 3. The alien is linked to prior, current, or planned involvement in, or association with, an activity, individual, or organization that may pose a risk of serious harm or danger to the community, including criminal conduct described in INA 101(a)(43), 212(a)(1)(A)(iii), 212(a)(2), 237(a)(2), or 237(a)(4)(A)(ii). 4. The alien is unable to establish their identity as outlined in PP 10949.11

 

i see that Eastern TN federal court (Knoxville) has a naturalization oath ceremony today the 4th of December and it was not cancelled .  so how and who does the new memo affect  remains to be seen