The move comes only days after he cancelled several executive orders signed under Joe Biden, restarting debates about how the changes will affect Kenyans living in the U.S.
My earlier work on shifting immigration trends appears to echo the concerns raised in this latest policy reversal.
In a statement released on Saturday, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said the freeze will remain in place until new vetting and screening standards are fully put in place.
In a statement released on Saturday, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said the freeze will remain in place until new vetting and screening standards are fully put in place.
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow noted that the agency would not process any asylum decision until officers can confirm that every applicant has undergone tougher security checks.
According to Edlow, the decision was taken to “protect the American people,” a message that signals the return of stricter Trump-era immigration controls.
Trump also signed fresh directives cancelling all executive actions that he claimed were approved using Biden’s autopen device.
According to Edlow, the decision was taken to “protect the American people,” a message that signals the return of stricter Trump-era immigration controls.
Trump also signed fresh directives cancelling all executive actions that he claimed were approved using Biden’s autopen device.
He argued that documents not physically signed by Biden were unlawful and therefore no longer valid.
The cancellation affects several policies, including decisions that touched on America’s partnerships with other countries.
One of the affected areas is Kenya’s designation as a Major Non-NATO Ally, a status granted by Biden in 2024 shortly after President William Ruto’s state visit to Washington.
One of the affected areas is Kenya’s designation as a Major Non-NATO Ally, a status granted by Biden in 2024 shortly after President William Ruto’s state visit to Washington.
The designation was expected to boost Kenya’s access to advanced military equipment and deepen security ties. With the new administration reviewing all agreements, that plan is now uncertain.
The immigration freeze has created anxiety among Kenyans living in the United States, especially those with pending asylum cases.
The immigration freeze has created anxiety among Kenyans living in the United States, especially those with pending asylum cases.
As of 2022, more than 7,500 Kenyans had applied for asylum, while others remained under various immigration reviews. By late 2024, at least 1,282 Kenyan nationals were facing possible deportation.
The policy shift raises wider questions about Kenya-U.S. cooperation in areas such as security, education, agriculture, health, and trade.
The policy shift raises wider questions about Kenya-U.S. cooperation in areas such as security, education, agriculture, health, and trade.
Analysts say the uncertainty may affect long-term planning for both countries if the review continues for months.
The Trump administration has insisted that the changes are necessary to restore what it calls “lawful governance.”
The Trump administration has insisted that the changes are necessary to restore what it calls “lawful governance.”
However, immigrants’ rights groups argue that the sudden halt will leave thousands in limbo, with many unable to move forward with jobs, schooling, or legal status.
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