This comes after the shooting of two National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., just days ago. The shooting left one Guard member dead.
"It's a blanket prohibition, which is just ridiculous to say that everybody in that country is not allowed to come. It's really awful, and it's affected my clients in a really bad way," said Ann Robertson of Robertson Immigration Law Firm.
With more than 30 years of immigration law experience, Robertson has seen it all. She describes this year as being unique.
"There is a huge amount of fear going on right now. I have citizens telling me, I'm worried, I'm scared," said Robertson.
The memo cited last Wednesday's targeted attack on two National Guard members near the White House by a suspect who authorities say entered the United States from Afghanistan under the Biden Administration.
Afghanistan is one of the countries affected by the new pause in applications, along with Cuba, Venezuela, Haiti, Yemen, and several others.
Roberson said several of her clients have been affected, including two married couples who have been following the path to citizenship.
"Suddenly, they're stopping it, and they're stopping it because they say the people are not properly vetted. I can promise you these women are not criminals, they're not terrorists, they're people that these US citizens want to marry and bring their wife here, and they're not able to do that," said Robertson
The pause is in effect until further notice.
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