A former presidential administration implemented a temporary cessation of the processing of applications for lawful permanent residency from individuals located outside the United States. This action effectively halted the issuance of green cards through consular processing, impacting individuals seeking to immigrate to the U.S. based on various eligibility categories, such as family sponsorship or employment.
Such a policy has considerable ramifications, influencing family reunification processes, the workforce composition in various sectors, and the overall immigration landscape of the nation. Historically, these pauses have been justified using arguments related to national security, economic concerns, or the need to re-evaluate existing immigration procedures.