Trump admin halts green card applications in new vetting system

The Trump administration has quietly begun halting some green card applications as part of a rigorous new vetting system.

US Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented new restrictions in compliance with Trump's executive orders to suspend processing of requests for legal permanent residency for immigrants granted refugee or asylum status, CBS News reports.

The Department of Homeland Security said the green card processing pause was necessary to comply with two executive actions issued by the president.

'USCIS is placing a temporary pause on finalizing certain Adjustment of Status applications pending the completion of additional screening and vetting to identify potential fraud, public safety, or national security concerns, in alignment with Mr. Trump's executive actions,' the statement said.

According to a presidential proclamation cited by officials, Donald Trump has instructed federal agencies to 'vet and screen to the maximum degree possible all aliens who intend to be admitted, enter, or are already inside the United States.'

The administration's tightening of restrictions on immigration policies and procedures are the latest attempts to tackle concerns of national security and fraud.