Impact Stories

I am a U.S. citizen sponsoring my father’s I-485 application. He also has a pending I-765 for his work permit. My father is the sole provider for our family, and since this pause, we have been living with a lot of uncertainty. We try to stay positive and act like everything will be okay, but deep down, I am really worried about him and our future. People often say it is easy to go back and restart your life, but what does that even mean when you have been here for so long and have nowhere else to go? Our lives are here. This is our home. I cannot imagine my life without my father, and the thought of losing that stability is overwhelming. I truly hope this pause ends soon so his application can move forward. This situation feels extremely unfair. We work hard, pay our taxes, and contribute to our community, yet it feels like we are being punished simply for where we were born. We are exhausted and just want a fair chance to continue building our lives here.

— Maryland

I came here on an F1 visa and never dared to leave after I entered because I was afraid the U.S. won't grant me another F1 visa. I did everything correctly, worked really hard to escape war and study at a good university, spent tons of hours trying to get a job in this market, spent years without seeing my parents. I literally bet everything I had on the fairness of the system here. I never broke any law here, I volunteered in my state, analyzed data for the local government, and tutored local. I genuinely paused every aspect of my life back home to give everything to this country, which I believed is giving me a chance. Now, I've wasted years of being next to my family for nothing. We are not numbers, we are not nothing, we are humans and our lives matter. Our families, dreams, struggles, pain means something.

— Rhode Island

I am from one of the 39 partially banned countries. I have done everything by the book. Did my undergrad in the US, then masters, now I have a good job and have been working. I don’t even have so much as a parking ticket. My entire life is in this country and now everything is in limbo. My STEM OPT is about to expire and I’ve been selected for H1B. But those visas aren’t being processed. I am trying not to panic but I find myself having anxiety attacks because I’m not sure what to do. Do I uproot my life and just go home? Wait till I’m kicked out? If I left what would I do at home? My life is here. It just feels so unfair. Like what is this pause for if not to make our lives miserable? Review my application. If you have a reason to deny me then do so. This pause is truly inhumane especially for people who are already living and working here and are doing literally everything right.

— Texas

Hi, I am us citizen and applied for my mom with I-485 form. I was diagnosed with cancer she came here to take care of me during chemo and surgery I have two kids. I have two more surgeries. I applied for her to get green card to stay more however they blocked and no more activity, it is all about this decision and whatever caused the issue. I shouldn’t have stress but I’m always thinking what can I do now for my mom. I need her to be with me during this hard Time. Really appreciate to help us how we even contact with them to tell them the case.

— New York

My country of origin is Nigeria and I'm married to USC. I initially came in on an F1 and we applied for AOS in Nov 2025. We were so excited to have our grand wedding celebration this summer and the we got with the pause. My OPT is expiring soon with no chance of getting a STEM extension. I've also lost my job as a result of this. We went from a two income household to a one income household. Its hard not to feel like our whole lives are falling apart. All the plans that we made and to make it worse, we dont even know when the ban will be lifted. Leaving us all in a constant state of Limbo based on our country of origin feels like an unjust punishment especially when we've done everything we were asked to do.

— New Jersey

I am a U.S. citizen who moved to the United States in 2017 and became naturalized in 2021. I am married to an American citizen, and we have a young son. Since moving here, I have not been able to bring my parents here even for few weeks visit due to travel restrictions affecting Iranian citizens. After years of waiting, my parents were finally approved for immigrant visas and attended their interview. However, their case was placed in administrative processing, and since then, there has been no resolution. My parents are both retired and have no political affiliations or connections that would justify such delays. Despite this, they remain unable to receive their visas. At the same time, I cannot safely travel to visit them due to ongoing regional instability also the danger of arresting American citizens in Iran . As a result, we have been separated for years with no clear end in sight. This prolonged separation has caused significant emotional distress for me and my family, especially my child, who has been unable to form a relationship with his grandparents. We feel isolated and uncertain about whether we will ever be reunited. I am asking for transparency, timely processing, and compassion in handling immigration cases like ours. Families should not have to endure indefinite separation without explanation.

— B.R, Texas

This is really unfair and I’m tired. I moved to the United States a decade ago on an F-1 visa. After graduation, my dream was to start my own company but visa limitations and constant uncertainty about maintaining legal status kept me in survival mode for years. Four years ago, I finally got my H-1B approved and also received permanent residency in Canada. I had a choice: stay in the U.S. and keep working or move to Canada where my company would have allowed me to continue working remotely. I chose to stay :( I got EB2 approved two years ago but priority date was not current. But I started feeling hopeful about staying here. Now that my priority date is finally current, I’m being hit with this ban. I’m mentally and emotionally exhausted. I’ve paid close to $500,000 in taxes to the U.S. while living here. I don’t know what I did to deserve this, other than being born in a country that isn’t considered prestigious enough. So many of us have sacrificed years of our lives, our energy, our sweat and blood, our peace of mind. We’ve done everything “right”: stayed here LEGALLY, paid TAXES, invested in the system. We’re not taking from it, we’re giving to it. I am questioning all the choices I made leading up to this and wish I had left years ago instead of continuing to pay into this system that has shown me so little respect. I’m so, so tired.

— Texas

Country of origin - Nigeria. I’m a hard working immigrant (female). I make my own money, pay all my bills and have never used any government assistance. I got married in October 2025, husband (US citizen) filed for I-130 in November 2025, I filed for AOS with EAD in the same month and we sent everything out. We had our interview in February 2026 and I haven’t heard back from USCIS. I currently have 2 jobs through OPT and my husband is getting his masters degree so I make more money at the moment and pay our rent ($1500 a month). My OPT expires in June 2026 and I’ll be out of work if this pause isn’t lifted. The government says they don’t want us to become a public charge, fair enough. However, if they don’t approve the AOS and send an EAD, I’ll be out of work and won’t be able to pay our bills. How does it make sense that we are essentially being put out of work, but they don’t want us to become a public charge? Granted, I have some financial backing from my (husband’s) family, but I don’t want to depend on anyone for basics like food and rent, or have to move out of my apartment into the family home because we can’t afford rent. It’s so unfair and stressful. What do I tell my managers at work? Some of us come here, follow ALL the rules, work hard, earn money, etc, but it’s still not enough? People always say “immigrate the right way?”, but when we do, we are hit with blockers. It’s so exhausting.

— Missouri

The recent visa pause has created deep uncertainty in my life and career as a physician completing my Internal Medicine residency in the United States. I have spent years studying, passing U.S. licensing exams, and working long hospital shifts caring for patients, often 12–24 hours at a time, admitting critically ill patients, responding to emergencies, and ensuring continuity of care. This policy now threatens my ability to finish the training I have already devoted years to and to continue caring for the patients who depend on me every day. Resident physicians are not observers—we are essential frontline providers, and hospitals rely on us to function safely, especially during nights and weekends when we are often the first to respond. Removing physicians like me from the workforce would create immediate staffing gaps, increase wait times, worsen burnout, and reduce access to care in a system already facing a major physician shortage.

— DH, Missouri

I am an Iranian who came to the United States legally to pursue my master’s degree at the University of Southern California. I invested a huge amount in tuition and worked up to 20 hours a week while studying so I could reduce the financial pressure on my parents. It was not easy, but I worked hard because I believed I was building a future through education, sacrifice, and honest effort. After graduating, I finally started to feel a sense of stability. I have now been working for about a year, paying taxes, contributing to this country’s economy, and trying to build a life here. Like many others in my situation, I followed the rules, did everything the right way, and carried the hope that hard work and perseverance would lead to security. Now that hope feels deeply shaken. I am hearing that even basic parts of our lives, such as our REAL ID or driver’s license, may be taken away. The idea that everything we have worked for, our plans, our stability, and our future, could suddenly disappear is devastating. At the same time, we are carrying the emotional weight of war, fear for our homeland, and constant worry about our families. The pressure is overwhelming. We do not even have regular access to our loved ones for emotional support, and that isolation makes everything worse. We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking to be seen as human beings who came here legally, studied, worked, paid taxes, and tried to build a future with dignity like so many other nationalities. The uncertainty, fear, and emotional burden we are living under are more than most people can imagine.

— Donya D, California

I am Iranian, and I came to the United States legally to study biomedical informatics and build a future through research and work. I worked hard during my studies and hoped to start my career after graduation. However, my OPT application has been paused for over five months with no updates. I am unable to work, which has caused serious financial hardship and left me unable to support myself. I also had a surgery several months ago, and without health insurance, I cannot continue necessary follow-up care. This situation has affected both my financial stability and my health. This pause has put my life on hold and left me in constant uncertainty. I respectfully ask for action so people like me can move forward and contribute to society.

— Sepideh S, Texas

I am a U.S. citizen living in California, and my husband is an Iranian national. We have been waiting for years to complete his immigrant visa process so we could finally live together as a married couple. After his interview at the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi, his case remained in Administrative Processing for about one year. Eventually, we were informed that the Administrative Processing was completed and his case was fully cleared. We were told that the visa was ready to be issued, and we believed our long wait was finally coming to an end. However, just before his visa could be issued, the Presidential Proclamation went into effect, and we were notified that his visa could not be issued because of this policy. Every required step in our case has already been completed, and we are now stuck at the very final stage — unable to move forward only because of this new restriction. My husband is currently in Iran, and due to the recent war-related conditions and ongoing security concerns, I am deeply worried about his safety. I had planned to travel to Iran to be with him, but because of the dangerous situation, I am unable to go. We remain separated despite having completed the entire immigration process. This situation has affected every part of our lives — emotionally, financially, and mentally. We have followed all the rules, waited patiently for years, and reached the final step, only to be stopped at the last moment. I am sharing our story because I hope decision-makers and the public understand the real human impact of these policies on families like ours who only want to live together safely

— parnian naseh, California

Hi, before I share my story I would love to ask you readers a question. Have you guys ever been judged based on your country of birth? Wild statement isn't it? well it's not that surprising because it's exactly what the US government is doing. I came to the United States on parole program, and I applied for my adjustment of status paid the fees did my biometrics just for me to be stuck in a loophole because of my country of origin. According to the US government I'm from a high-risk country and therefore I might be a national risk, I can guarantee that I'm not. I'm asking to be judged based on my background based on my criminal record, which is flawless by the way, plus I'm just an 18 years old who recently graduated and who wants to go to college. I'm not a threat to anyone, I did everything right, but I would like to apologize for not being born in Europe since the world doesn't see my people as people.

— MJ, Florida

I’m writing this with a heavy heart. My spouse and I have been waiting for this immigration process for over two and a half years. I am a green card holder in the United States, and we have tried to follow every rule, every step, patiently and with hope. But now, everything has changed. My spouse is currently in Iran, and his life is in serious danger. He is being pursued by the IRGC, and I still don’t even know what he has been officially accused of. What I do know is that the situation is very serious, and there is a real fear that he could face severe punishment, even execution. Every day, I wake up with fear. Every time my phone is silent, I panic. I don’t know if he is safe, if he can leave, or what will happen next. We are stuck in a situation where he cannot stay safely, but also cannot leave or apply for another option because of immigration restrictions. After years of waiting and doing everything the right way, we are now in a place where his life could be taken before this process is even completed. This is no longer just about immigration. This is about safety, about survival, about not losing the person I love. I am asking, from the bottom of my heart, for any help, any attention, any way to move this process faster before it’s too late. Thank you

— California

I applied for STEM OPT employment authorization in August 2025, but my application has remained pending without adjudication due to these policy-related delays. Subsequently, in February 2026, I filed for Adjustment of Status under the EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) category, along with a new Form I-765 for employment authorization. Despite being fully qualified and prepared to work as a researcher, I have been unable to obtain work authorization for several months. During this period, I relied on financial support from my family abroad to meet basic living expenses. However, due to recent widespread internet disruptions and restrictions on financial transfers affecting Iran, I am no longer able to communicate with my family or access financial support. As a result, I am now facing immediate and severe financial hardship, with limited remaining resources and ongoing essential expenses such as housing and basic necessities.

— Florida

I and my spouse are both Canadian citizens and we moved to US with L-visas under the category of multinational executive / managers. By July 2025, I-140 was approved and I-765 was also completed and our EAD cards produced. We had filed for AOS I-485 concurrently, but ever since the hold and review memo pause, and because we are born in one of the 19-countries, everything is paused now. I am puzzled how a Canadian citizen who has lived in Canada for well over 25 years is considered a risk, just because they were born as a child in a different country, which they have not even visited for years. This is very concerning that the sole reason for pausing an application is someone's country of birth, whereas in our category we have been vetted many times, plus we are Nexus card holders and constantly travelled back and forth between US and Canada countless times in the past two decades. If this is about vetting, we welcome any and all required background check on us! But an indefinite pause with no explanation, after collecting thousands of dollars in application review fees, and putting people's lives and careers on hold, is not the American way!

— California

I came to the U.S. as a student after leaving Myanmar at 17, and I’ve built my life here step by step, college, career, and now working on an H-1B. I’ve followed every rule, maintained status, paid taxes, and tried to do everything the right way. The current adjudication pause feels deeply unfair because it puts people like me in limbo through no fault of our own. My H-1B extension is coming up, and uncertainty around processing makes it impossible to plan my life, career, or even where I will live in a few months. Returning to Myanmar is not a realistic or safe option. The country is unstable due to ongoing conflict and military control, and there are real risks of being forcibly conscripted and sent to the frontlines to fight for the ruling junta. After building a life abroad, being forced into that situation is terrifying. This pause doesn’t just delay paperwork—it disrupts real lives. Many of us have done everything expected of us, yet we’re left in uncertainty without clear answers or timelines.

— Florida

I am currently a Faculty Postdoctoral Fellow at a university here in the U.S. I came into the country on an H-1B visa sponsored by my university. After my arrival, I filed for EB-1A, which was approved, and I subsequently submitted my application for adjustment of status. While still maintaining my H-1B status, I completed my initial contract and received an extension from my university. A petition for my H-1B extension was filed, and I have continued working under the 240-day grace period. Now, I am in the last 90 days of that period, and I can’t fully describe how I feel. I am supposed to be preparing teaching materials for two core departmental courses that I am scheduled to teach this Fall, but I am struggling to focus because I am uncertain whether I will even be able to continue working by then. I have a two-year-old daughter and a pregnant wife to care for. I came into the U.S. immediately after completing my PhD, so I don’t have saving, everything I have earned has gone toward securing our continued stay here (filing fees for EB1a, AOS and EAD). With the current pause, my H-1B extension, adjustment of status, and employment authorization based on my AOS are all on hold. It is incredibly difficult to process. I’ve been having sleepless nights and can only hold on to hope.

— Alaska

My husband and I have been together for 10 years. He is a DACA recipient, he’s been here since a child… about 20 years. When we got married, we filed AOS paperwork for his green card. We were so excited to move on from the uncertainties of DACA we’ve been forced to face every couple of years. To think about having kids, to have stability for once that can’t be abruptly halted, for him to have a path of permanence finally for what is already his home. For us to just move on to our next chapter… that already felt so long overdue. We finally got scheduled an interview.. we were ready. Then, it got abruptly cancelled. It wasn’t until months later that I realized we were on the 39 country ban list. It was a heart shattering realization of uncertainty, once again. Even more so not knowing if his DACA will be renewed or not. This is exhausting. As a US citizen, I am ashamed of my country for doing this to us.. we’ve spent thousands of dollars to adjust his status. Turned around and spent $700 more for his DACA. Literally saving money to bail us out of the next hit to come is NO way to live. The delay in paperwork is inexcusable… Losing everything overnight (jobs, license, protection from deportation) is inexcusable. Let us move on!

— Casie V, South Carolina

Hi all, I’m writing to share an urgent and deeply concerning situation regarding my sister. She has been in the green card process for over 17 years and was recently called for her I-130 interview in Ankara. Unfortunately, due to the current travel restrictions, her visa could not be issued at that time. She is now alone in the country with no family support, especially given the ongoing conflict in Iran. We have recently lost contact with her, which has made the situation even more distressing. Additionally, her financial resources are extremely limited, making it very difficult for her to sustain herself. While there may be possible ways for her to leave the country, immigration laws clearly restrict her from applying for other visas while her current immigration case is pending. She has followed all legal requirements and waited patiently for 17 years, and is now in a position where she cannot move forward or safely relocate. We are extremely concerned for her safety and well-being and would greatly appreciate any guidance or assistance. Thank you for your understanding and support.

— California

A family-based petition and a related humanitarian parole application were filed in late 2023 on behalf of my mother, an Iranian citizen. Since filing, the case has remained pending without substantive updates. Multiple service requests and a congressional inquiry have not yielded case-specific information or progress. Recent correspondence from USCIS indicates that certain applications, including those involving Iranian nationals, are subject to an internal hold and enhanced review under broader policy directives. While national security considerations are understood, the current implementation appears to lack clear timelines, transparency, or differentiation between cases based on individualized risk. Importantly, there have been no requests for additional evidence, no identified deficiencies, and no indication that this case presents any specific concerns. Nevertheless, it remains paused indefinitely. This raises significant concerns regarding proportionality and process. Humanitarian parole is, by definition, intended to address urgent and compelling circumstances. In this case, the beneficiary is affected by ongoing conditions tied to Iran, including systemic repression, documented human rights violations, and broader regional instability. These factors underscore the need for timely, case-by-case adjudication rather than prolonged, generalized holds. The absence of adjudicative movement effectively nullifies the purpose of humanitarian parole as a discretionary tool for urgent relief. Indefinite delays—without individualized assessment or communication—create substantial hardship, prolong family separation, and expose applicants to continued risk.

— A. H., California

I am PhD student from Nigeria graduating in May and planning to start a job through OPT in July. This OPT has really caused me so much mental health concerns because of its uncertainty and I am worried that I will not be able to resume my OPT. I have dedicated the last 3 years focusing on my studies and supporting the mental health of the people in my school and community. I do not know how to survive or move forward if this ban is not lifted today. It has not been an easy journey and I am scared at the moment because I have put so much efforts to get this far. I am hoping this ban is lifted. A lot of us are in a precarious situation.

— Tee, Illinois

I've been in the US since 97 after my family immigrated from Venezuela. I work full time paying for tuition from my pocket for years. I am studying to be a Mechanical Engineer and now I don't know for certain. My work permit had already expired, and I am doing everything I can to save for tuition. I am also hearing impaired. I pay for my hearing aids monthly.

— Daniel, Utah

I came into the USA 2014 on F1 visa, as student. I got my green card issued by the Trump admin in 2020. Applied for citizenship 2025 May. My interview yet to be scheduled. I have paied taxes, obeyed law, and came and satyed legally, and paid Citizenship application fee, and yet waiting for USCIS to schedule my Citizenship interview because of where I was born! California

— H., California

I am a PhD student in nutrition in the United States, focusing my research on bone health and mineral metabolism. My work requires long hours in the lab, careful planning, and a deep commitment to advancing science. However, the current pause at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has created significant uncertainty in my life. Because my application is on hold, I am unable to plan for my future with confidence. This affects not only my career trajectory but also my ability to fully focus on my research. As a scientist, consistency and long-term planning are critical, yet this situation forces me to live in a constant state of waiting. Beyond my work, this pause has created serious concerns about my safety and future due to the current situation in Iran following the events of January 8th and 9th. If my legal status in the United States is terminated, I could be forced to return to a place where I fear persecution, detention, or even harm by the ruling regime. This is not a choice I would make freely, but one imposed by circumstance. Living with the possibility of being sent back to such conditions adds a constant layer of fear, uncertainty, and emotional strain to my daily life. I came here to build a future through education, research, and hard work. This pause has made that path uncertain, but I remain committed to my goals and hopeful for a resolution.

— Danial, Minnesota

I’m from Iran, and my asylum case—filed through a pending I-589 application with USCIS—has been in limbo for over three years. No updates, no movement—just silence. It’s turned my life into a constant state of waiting, where the future feels uncertain and out of my control. All of my family is here, and this is where I’ve built my life. I was a strong student, earned a scholarship, and have always worked hard to create a meaningful future. Now, I’m studying for my architectural license exam, trying to move forward despite everything. But the fear of being forced to return to Iran as part of a religious minority is always there—quiet, but constant. Some days, it feels like I’m stuck between two worlds, unable to fully belong anywhere, just waiting and hoping for a chance to finally move forward.

— SK, Illinois

I am a licensed registered nurse working full-time in Arizona and I came to the U.S. with EB3 visa.I am legally married to my husband,Alireza Aref,who is a professional architect currently residing inTehran,Iran.We applied for EB3 visa together,an employment based visa,and it took two years to get the interview date(Feb 28,2025).I got the visa but they put him on administrative processing because of our nationality(every Iranian men will face this extra processing).It supposed to take five or six months maximally for him to get the visa.Although due to prolonged immigration processing delays with no logical reason, we have been forcibly separated for an extended period of time.I moved to U.S on May 2025, got my Green card because I had to start my career and it's been 11 months that we are separated because of this pause.We spent the last five years of our life chasing this dream,we traveled to Turkey twice and India to pass 2 exams.We had to sacrifice many things to get here because of all the limitations and obstacles we faced. please hold this pause.

— Parisa Mahdavi, Arizona

I got a job as a teacher in the US and I've been on H1B visa since 2024. I've been trying to renew my I-797A since last year but since the pause on visa issuance to Nigerians happened, I have been impacted. Right now, I'm out of job because my I-797A has expired

— Ayobami, Wisconsin

We are Canadian citizens originally from Iran who moved to California three years ago on L1A/L2S visas to fill critical workforce needs. My husband is a CFO at a software company, and I am a senior construction manager working on major healthcare projects in Southern California. Since May 2024, we have spent over $30,000 on our L1A visa and I-485 green card process and completed all required steps, including biometrics and background checks, yet our case remains pending with no updates. If this delay continues beyond July 2027, we risk losing our legal status and being forced to leave the U.S. This uncertainty has put our lives on hold. We are pursuing foster parenting and adoption, but our immigration status puts this at risk. We also cannot travel to see family due to concerns about reentry. In three years, we have contributed over $85,000 in taxes and are ready to invest further, including buying a home, but cannot make long-term commitments without clarity. This pause is directly impacting families, careers, and children in need of stable homes.

— Somi B., California

I've spent years in the US doing scientific research. I did everything the right way. I followed every rule, paid all the fees, and got my employment-based petition approved. But because I’m Nigerian, my I-485, work permit, and travel documents are just frozen indefinitely. The career impact is brutal. I’ve actually interviewed and received great job offers in my field, only to have to call them back and turn them down because the government won't process my work authorization. Companies want to hire me, and I’m ready to work, but my hands are legally tied. But honestly, the absolute hardest part is my family. My parents are getting older and their health is failing. Being trapped here while that happens is a different kind of pain. If I get on a flight to care for them or say goodbye, I instantly abandon my life's work and everything I've built in the US. If I stay, I might never see them alive again. Having to choose between your future and your parents isn't right. We aren't threats, we are just people trying to live our lives. Please end this pause.

— Olafemi A, Illinois

I have a pending work authorization and adjustment of status application with USCIS. I lost my job due to this pause and also facing homelessness if I’m not able to get a work authorization to return to work. It’s sad how I have done everything right and we are now being denied this just because of where we were born - I’m Nigerian. I’m a single mum with a teenage daughter and who has no family here. I am so scared and do not even know how to explain the situation to my daughter. Please have some mercy on us and consider that we have done everything legally. Thank you.

— Y.R.A, Colorado

Two and a half years ago, I came to the United States with thousands of hopes. I was admitted as a fully funded PhD student in Computer Engineering. After years of hardship, I moved forward step by step until I reached the U.S. After that, I pursued my studies with great motivation and hope in the field of Artificial Intelligence and Security, which I can say is currently one of the biggest and most practical fields in the world. I tried to move my work forward in the best possible way and publish various papers so that I could be prepared for the U.S. job market after graduation. About three months ago, I applied for NIW/EB2. But given the current pause, I have no hope for the future. All the possible paths have been closed off—NIW, OPT, H1B, Postdoc, all of them have been stopped, and it is unclear when this will be resolved or even how it will be resolved. It is truly impossible to understand this level of hatred from the current government, even toward legal immigrants who are doing everything they can, trying to push us out of here, while hell has also broken loose in our own country. Personally, I have reached a point where I am watching my dreams die, and I have no hope of finding a job in the U.S. because I do not know what kind of future is waiting for me.

— Vahid Babaey, North Carolina

We entered the US in 2015, we did everything legally and spent thousands of dollars to be able to get our green card. In May 2024, we were approved to file for adjustment of status and it’s been 2 years and still no green card. We have studied, worked, and paid taxes in this country and most importantly, America is and has been our home for over 10 years.

— California

EB-2 - NIW from Iran I am requesting assistance from the USCIS Ombudsman due to urgent personal and immigration hardship arising from prolonged delays in the adjudication of my pending employment-based Adjustment of Status application (Form I-485, EB-2 National Interest Waiver). My Form I-140 immigrant petition has been approved in 2023, and my priority date is currently current under the Visa Bulletin, indicating that an immigrant visa number is available. Despite visa availability and completion of required processing steps, including biometrics, my case has remained pending without final adjudication. Based on communications with USCIS and congressional casework responses, this delay appears to be related to the December 2, 2025 policy memorandum that placed a hold on final adjudication for certain applicants. In addition, my Advance Parole travel document application (Form I-131) is pending. I hold Canadian permanent residency, which is at risk of being lost if I am unable to travel to Canada to meet residency obligations within the required timeframe. At the same time, departing the United States without approved Advance Parole would result in abandonment of my pending Adjustment of Status application. This creates a significant and time-sensitive conflict affecting my lawful immigration options. We appreciate the helpful of Mr. president Trump in helping eliminating the tyranny Islamic Regime of Iran. While our families are suffering from the war in Iran and getting bombed, their only concern right now is our future!

— IRJ, New York

I am currently in my second year of a three-year Optional Practical Training (OPT) period. I applied for a green card as the spouse of an American citizen in October 2025. Unfortunately, in December, USCIS paused my application due to my Iranian nationality. The limitations of the OPT visa present significant challenges for me. I cannot be unemployed for extended periods, and I am currently in the process of switching jobs. While I am a visiting instructor at current university, I have not yet secured a new contract for the upcoming year, and my applications to other universities have not yet yielded any offers. Given the strict requirements of the OPT visa, I must find a position in my field that meets all the necessary criteria, including the appropriate E-Verify status, which makes my job search even more difficult. Additionally, I applied for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and my green card as an American spouse, but there have been no updates on my case for several months. If this pause continues and I cannot secure employment, I will be forced to leave the United States. This situation is particularly distressing for me, as my husband is an American citizen, and I wish to remain here with him.

— Zahra Z, Florida

My case is related to family immigration (I-130). My husband has been in America for 4 years and a few months, and he currently has a green card. My 8-year-old son and I live in Iran, and this war that is happened in Iran, could be impact on our future also My husband is very worried about the health of me and our child. We can hardly communicate with each other because our communication path has been cut off. We don’t know about our future and relationship. Thanks for attention to this issue and your support of our family.

— Masihi, Texas

I will be graduating soon and my green card is still paused. I cannot go back to my country as I fought for democracy and supported the US strikes on Iran. So if I go back to my country, I will face jail and probably execution.

— Tennessee

I am a family medicine doctor from Canada. A Canadian citizen. I came to the US on a H1B visa, met my husband and we got married in September 2025. Naturally we filed for adjustment of status. But 2 weeks after filing my application was placed on hold because I was born in Iran. Now I am stuck and unemployed, washing dishes and doing laundry when I could be helping society as I was. I have reached out to my senators and congress as well.

— TV, North Dakota

We have been atruggling to pay all the bills and we just had our son 2 months ago. Money is tight since my work permit expired in June. We have shut off notices, past due credit cards, and use food pantries. Our car payment is a month behind. We have been waiting for my residency since 10/2024 under the Cuban Adjustment Act which is federal law. My work permit has been pending since 5/2025. We lost 60k in income (or half our household incomby me losing status due to these government delays. We paid almost 1700 in processing fees and have nothing to show for it.

— Cruz R, Pennsylvania

I have came to the United States, the land of opportunities with this belief that if I work hard and be an immigrant who is following all the rules and respecting the country, the opportunity would come. Now, after studying hard and working hard to secure a job in this though job market, pending status of Iranian applicants is making me nervous and anxious about my future. Despite being a good student and a lawful immigrant, am I getting what I deserve, and is this the opportunity that I came long way for?

— Missouri

I am a dentist in the United States, and this delay has placed my life in a constant state of uncertainty. I am an Iranian Canadian and currently working under H1B status, which is time limited. I have a pending I140 and I485 application, and although my case is otherwise eligible to move forward, it has been delayed due to this pause. If my H1B status expires before my case is adjudicated, I will no longer be able to work or remain in the United States. This creates an urgent and ongoing fear that I could be forced to leave the country despite having followed all legal requirements. Despite maintaining lawful status, complying with all immigration rules, and contributing to the healthcare system, I am unable to move forward with basic life planning because my future here remains unclear. Professionally, this situation has significantly limited my ability to grow and make long term commitments. As a dentist, I cannot confidently plan my career, expand my practice, or pursue new opportunities while facing the risk of losing my ability to work altogether due to an indefinite delay that is outside of my control. Personally, this has caused significant stress and anxiety. I am unable to make important financial decisions or establish stability because I do not know if I will be allowed to remain in the country. The possibility of losing my ability to work and being forced to leave the United States has created constant emotional strain. What makes this especially difficult is that the delay is not based on anything I have done, but rather a broad policy that does not take into account my individual circumstances. As an Iranian Canadian who was not born in Iran, being subjected to this pause feels unfair and discriminatory. I feel stuck in limbo, unable to move forward while others in similar positions are allowed to proceed. The lack of transparency and timeline has left me feeling powerless, despite having followed every rule and requirement.

— Michigan

I am an international student on OPT, and the adjudication pause has severely impacted my life. I was forced to lose the job that I worked very hard to obtain, especially as it was my first year of OPT and a critical time for me to gain professional experience in my field. Losing this opportunity has not only affected my career growth but also my financial stability. At this point, I only have enough savings to cover about two more months of rent, and after that, I do not know how I will support myself. Additionally, I was helping my parents financially with their rent, but I can no longer do that, which has also negatively affected their situation. This pause has created uncertainty and stress about my future, my ability to stay in the U.S., and my career path. It has taken away a crucial opportunity for me to build experience and move forward professionally.

— MM, Texas

I’m from Iran. For the past 10 years, I have lived in the United States, building my life through entirely legal and ethical means. Like many immigrants, I faced moments where I could have taken shortcuts—through fraudulent marriage or asylum—to obtain a green card faster. I chose not to. I believed in doing things the right way. Instead, I invested a decade into education, earning a PhD and dedicating myself to highly specialized work—work that only a small number of experts in my field can do. I became eligible for an EB-2 pathway through merit and contribution. Today, despite everything I have built, my life is in limbo. While war unfolds in Iran, where my family lives under the threat of missile attacks, I am here unable to make even the most basic decisions about my future. My immigration status remains uncertain. I have prepared countless contingency plans in case I lose it. I have not seen my family in 10 years. The emotional and psychological toll of this uncertainty is overwhelming. After years of hard work, sacrifice, and doing everything “by the book,” I now face the possibility of losing everything I’ve worked for. This is not just my story—it reflects the reality for many highly skilled immigrants navigating a system where uncertainty can erase years of effort overnight

— MY, California

I am an Iranian PhD student in the U.S. I filed my I-140 (Nov 2023) and was approved in Feb 2025, hoping to finally receive my work authorization and green card and improve my financial situation. But the USCIS pause has put my case on hold. Living on a low student stipend during inflation has become extremely difficult, and this delay is making it even harder to manage basic expenses. At the same time, I cannot travel. With the current situation and conflict in Iran, not being able to see my family or be with them during such a difficult time is emotionally devastating. This is more than a delay. It’s real financial, emotional, and personal hardship.

— Maryam, Texas

My wife and two children rely on me financially, emotionally and mentally. I made ten times more than her and we use my income to take care of our family. I took a trip to my home country to care for my ill family member while doing consular processing, and ended up getting stuck here because of the 39 country ban. My whole family is in distress. We are heartbroken and hopeless.

— Florida

After two years in a long-distance relationship between the U.S. and Canada, my partner finally managed—after a long and difficult process—to come to the United States for a master’s program. It wasn’t an easy decision. He had a stable, well-paying job in Canada, but he chose to leave everything behind. He quit his job, gave up his stability, and brought all of his savings with him just for a chance to build a future here with me. A big part of that sacrifice is that he has to pay high international tuition out of pocket. Now, after covering tuition and living expenses, we’ve basically run out of money. Because of financial pressure, he has to complete his program in just three semesters, which limits his options even further. Due to this timing, he is not eligible for OPT, and the chances for H1B are also out of reach for him. We feel completely stuck in a system that doesn’t account for situations like ours. We’ve also explored other options, including getting married so he could change his status, but even that path isn’t straightforward or realistically possible for us right now. Every option seems blocked or uncertain, and we’re running out of time. Going back to Canada is not an option either, since his work visa there has expired. Returning to Iran is also not a safe or realistic choice for many reasons. On top of everything, we are facing financial restrictions—we cannot even transfer money easily from abroad to support ourselves here. Right now, we feel trapped between countries, policies, and limitations. All we want is a fair chance to stay, work, and build a life together after everything we’ve sacrificed.

— Fa.Ria, Missouri

I am PhD student and I cannot do any internships or cannot go for post doc or industry job. I also paid the lawyer thousands of dollars and cannot process anything.

— ZA, Kansas

I came to the US in 2023, finished my master’s program and found a perfect job. My employer has filed H1B for me but I have till May 18th on my current status. I am a building commissioning specialist which focuses on energy efficiency, safety and lowering maintenance costs in a building. It’s a multi disciplinary engineering major which is facing growing demand in job market. I have brought my work and research experience to this position and this has caused me great concern, I really don’t know what is gonna happen to me in a month. Specially that I have never done anything wrong, I was background checked, came legally and always stayed legal and I do not demand any exceptions, just the regular processing of my file, if they find me unqualified fairly I am willing to leave.

— Gh ch, California

My EAD will be expired soon and if I don't receive Green card EAD, then I will lose job and health insurance which will result in no monthly medicine for my disease (MS).

— Sima D, Arizona

My wife and I, first got engaged back in 2024 in Iran, and I applied for her through fiancé visa, since it used to be faster for the beneficiary to enter the US so then we could get married here with my family present but after waiting for 9 months suddenly the K1 visa got banned completely. So we decided to go to another country and get married in 2025 despite all the hardships that was going on geopolitically right after the 12 day war there. After getting married and refilling the case,the immediate family member of a US citizen visa I130 was paused and my wife is still there after 2 years of trying to start our lives and she’s stuck there in a full on war now . They have had internet blackout in Iran for a very long time and it’s very hard for us to even hear each other’s voice. This is having a huge toll on us mentally, and emotionally when I as a US citizen cannot do anything at this time to make sure of the safety of my wife and her well being . We did everything possible to have everything in order so we could start our lives here and contribute to the United States together but every time the situation got worse. Hope everything gets back to normal soon.

— __, California

Iran origin; legal U.S. entry; PhD completed; I-765 (OPT) pending; 5 months waiting; followed all rules; +4 job offers lost; no income, no insurance; work halted, financial hardship, future uncertain

— Ehsa YR, Texas

I am a 3rd year PhD student in Computer Science, originally from Iran. I applied for a green card under the EB-2 NIW category, spending years saving every dollar I could to invest in this process and in my future here. With this pause, everything has stopped. I can't find an internship. I can't plan for a job after graduation. The debt I took on to get here has no clear path to pay off. I have given everything to build a life and a career in this country through my research, my work, my sacrifices. And now I am being held back not because of anything I did, but because of where I was born. I did everything right. I followed every rule. All I'm asking for is the chance to keep going.

— MK, Minnesota

Im an Iranian citizen currently on STEM OPT that goes through June 2027. My employer agreed to support me for H1B. This was a great news to me because with H1B I would had 3 more years and I would pay off my student loan. Now with the pause, I dont know what is going to happen to my future! I dont have backup fund to pay off my loans before june 2027. Who’s going to pay $50,000 loan? People trusted me and became my co-signers. Now Im stuck in a limbo not only about my future but dealing with heavy financial stress. All the doors are closed.

— AB, District of Columbia

I came to the United States in 2023 from Canada, seeking a better life and better job opportunities. Before arriving, I went through a very long and difficult background check process, including 10 months of administrative processing for my H-1B visa. Despite these challenges, I followed every legal step and started building my life here. I am now working as a scientist in quantum technology, a field that is critically important for the United States. My work contributes to advancing American science and technology, an area where the U.S. has made significant investments to remain globally competitive. My role goes beyond research. I provide services to the scientific community and actively train and mentor American students, including high school students, helping prepare the next generation of talent in this critical field. My wife is currently a student, and we are raising our young child here. We filed our I-485 (green card application) in October 2024 under NIW category, hoping to finally gain stability after years of uncertainty. However, our case has been placed on hold with no clear timeline, simply because of our country of birth. This feels deeply unfair, especially when we see that many other applicants with similar backgrounds received their green cards over a year ago. This situation has created serious uncertainty in our lives. Without a green card, I cannot freely apply for new job opportunities or plan my future. If this continues, there is a real risk that in the coming months my family and I could lose our jobs and even our place to live. This is extremely frightening, especially when we have done everything legally and are contributing to areas of national importance. Being held indefinitely because of where we were born is not just a delay; it is affecting our stability, our careers, and our child’s future and it also risks slowing down contributions to the United State’s science and technology.

— Amir, Montana

I am originally from Iran and currently living in Georgia. I am married to a U.S. citizen, and we are building our life together here. I have a pending marriage-based green card application (Form I-485), along with Form I-130 and my work authorization (EAD). My case has been significantly paused, and I believe it is affected by the current adjudication pause impacting Iranian applicants. Because of this delay, my EAD is on hold, and I am about to graduate but cannot accept any job offers. This has put me in a very difficult financial and emotional situation. I have worked hard to build a future here, but now I am unable to move forward with my career or support myself. My immigration status feels uncertain, and I am constantly worried that I may be forced to leave the United States. This would mean being separated from my spouse, even though we share a home, responsibilities, and a life together. It is extremely stressful and heartbreaking. This pause is not just a delay—it is affecting real lives, relationships, and futures. I hope my story helps show the real impact of this policy on people like me.

— M.S, Georgia

Hello, I am a fifth year PhD candidate at the University of Minnesota. I was planning to graduate in spring 2026 semester but due to the USCIS pause on Iranian nationals, I am unable to get OPT or any sorts of work authorization. This creates a lot of uncertainty and distress in my life. I can’t graduate and I am losing all of my job opportunities. I already have a pending i140 form since May 2024 and it has been more than 690 days that I am waiting for decision and even though my priority date has been current since Oct 2025, I could not apply for adjustment of status because my i140 petition is still pending! This situation is extremely unfair and discriminatory for Iranian researchers who came here legally, have been through multiple vetting processes already before getting the Visa and coming here. I have been living in the US for almost 5 years, I came here legally, paid my taxes, contributed to my community and this pause deteriorated my situation and I am on the verge of nervous breakdown and no one seems to care.

— P. A, Minnesota

Hi. My green card process has been paused due to the current USCIS pause. I applied through the National Interest Waiver (NIW), which is a pathway designed for individuals whose work is considered beneficial to the United States. Based on my academic background and research publications, my I-140 petition has already been approved. However, the second and final stage of the process, the I-485 (Adjustment of Status), has been put on hold. This situation has created a significant level of uncertainty for me. I am currently a PhD student and have been in the United States for the past three years. My funding is discontinued and I am in a very difficult position. As an F-1 student, I am only authorized to work within the university and am not permitted to work outside of it. This means I would not be able to support myself financially if my current academic position ends and I have to come back to Iran. A lot of legal student are becoming illegal by this pause and under these circumstances, we may be compelled to voluntarily depart the United States.

— MB, Wisconsin

Came into the country 2017 on H1B, as engineer. Got a green card issued by the Trump admin 2020. Applied for citizenship 2025 July. Interview scheduled dec 4 2025, descheduled dec 2 2025. Came legally, did it all right, yet waiting for USCIS to reschedule because of where I was born

— Texas

I am an architect working on hospital projects in California. My parents were denied visas under Section 212(f) (NIA). I have worked very hard, on my own, for 13 years in the hope that one day my parents could come here and we could spend meaningful time together. My husband, a medical engineer who works on knee surgical tables, is also affected by this pause. His I-485 and I-765 applications are on hold, and when we contact USCIS, we are told it is because he was born in Iran. As you know, there is war ongoing in Iran, and my parents are under daily bombardment. I cannot understand how we got here.

— Sara A., California

I am a third-year PhD student in Biomedical Engineering at Lehigh University. I am expected to defend next year and had planned to apply for OPT to continue working in my field. However, due to the USCIS pause, I am now unable to move forward, putting my future at serious risk. This situation has created intense stress during an already difficult time. Like many Iranian students, I am dealing with the emotional strain of being far from my family while my home country is facing ongoing conflict. On top of that, the uncertainty caused by this pause has added constant anxiety about losing everything I have worked for over the past several years. Despite following every legal step, I am being held back simply because of my country of birth. Meanwhile, opportunities that are available to other international students are no longer accessible to me. My spouse, who holds a Pharm.D., had received PhD opportunities from universities such as UPenn, Princeton, and Lehigh, but is now unable to move forward due to the same pause. We have also invested approximately $7,000 in our immigration case with no updates, leaving us in complete uncertainty. Thank you again for your attention to this issue. I hope sharing my experience can help bring visibility to what many of us are going through.

— Ali, Pennsylvania

I feel immense shame having to share this. I'm a medical resident 3 months away from finishing training in Internal Medicine and was planning to start work very soon as a rural nocturnist. Unfortunately, my life has been jeopardized by this USCIS pause. Since my H1b extension was placed on hold, I've been forced to stop working and providing care to my patients. I have never committed a crime my whole life and it's such a shame that the only reason I'm being punished is because of my country of birth.

— BK, Georgia

I am an EB‑2 National Interest Waiver applicant with an approved petition. My family and I have followed every legal requirement, invested nearly $20,000 in fees and medical exams, and done everything the right way. For almost twenty years, I have supported U.S. government global health programs overseas and was brought to the United States on a government‑sponsored H‑1B to continue that work. My priority date is current. A visa number is available. Our case is fully eligible for approval. Yet our applications are frozen. Because of the adjudication pause, my H‑1B expires in June 2026. If nothing changes, I will lose my ability to work and support my family—even though I am already eligible for permanent residency. And without advance parole, I cannot leave the United States to earn an income elsewhere without abandoning my adjustment‑of‑status application. Once my H‑1B expires, I will be unable to work here and unable to work abroad. We will have no path to stability. The impact on my children is profound. They are in school, rooted in their communities, and call the United States home. Now they live with the fear that their lives may be uprooted, not because of any wrongdoing, but because their applications are simply not being processed. We are also unable to travel for emergencies or see loved ones. We are effectively trapped—unable to work abroad, unable to work here once my visa expires, and unable to plan our lives with any certainty. This is not just a delay. It is a policy failure with real human consequences. Families who are fully eligible and fully compliant—including those who have served U.S. missions—are being pushed toward losing status, losing employment, and losing stability. We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for adjudication.

— P.M., Georgia

I am from Nigeria and live in the United States with my wife and our two children. We have tried to do everything the right way. I filed for adjustment of status and employment authorization, completed my biometrics in November 2025, and have been waiting ever since while my case remains on hold. After earning my master’s degree from a U.S. university, I worked briefly under OPT, but that authorization has now expired. Since my new work permit has not been approved, I have been unable to work and provide for my family the way I should. The hardest part is knowing that I am ready and willing to work, but I am being forced to sit still because of delays completely outside my control. Opportunities have come and gone, and each one hurts because it reminds me that my future is being decided by silence. This delay has placed a deep financial and emotional strain on my family. My wife is in graduate school and still has fees to pay. We are raising two children while living with the uncertainty of not knowing when this will end. As a husband and father, it is painful to watch the pressure build and not be able to step in fully the way I want to. We did not come this far to become a burden. We came here to build, contribute, and create a better future for our children. What makes this even more painful is that we have followed the rules, submitted the forms, paid the fees, and shown up for every step asked of us. All we are asking for is a fair chance to move forward. This delay is not just paperwork. It is affecting real people, real families, and real lives. I want to work. I want to support my family. I want the opportunity to keep building the life we have sacrificed so much to pursue.

— AAA, New Jersey

I am an EB-2 National Interest Waiver applicant with an approved petition, and my family and I—seven applicants in total—have followed every legal requirement to adjust our status in the United States. We have spent nearly $20,000 in legal, medical, and filing costs to do everything the right way. Today, my priority date is current. A visa number is available. Our case is fully eligible for approval. And yet—our applications remain frozen. Because of the USCIS adjudication pause, my family is being held in a state of uncertainty that we did nothing to create and have no power to resolve. My current visa expires in June 2026. If this pause continues, I will lose my ability to work and support my family—despite being fully eligible for a green card today. This is not a hypothetical risk; it is a countdown to financial instability for a family that has done everything in good faith to comply with the law. The human cost is even greater for my children. They are in school, building their futures here, and calling the United States home. Yet they are now living with uncertainty about whether their lives will be disrupted—not because of any mistake, but because their applications are simply not being processed. It is incredibly difficult to explain to them why doing everything correctly still leads to this kind of insecurity. At the same time, without advance parole, we cannot leave the United States without abandoning our applications. We are effectively trapped—unable to travel for emergencies, unable to see loved ones, and unable to plan our lives with any confidence. This is not just a delay. It is a policy failure with real human consequences. Families who are fully eligible, fully documented, and fully compliant are being pushed toward losing status, losing employment, and losing stability—all while indefinitely waiting for decisions that could be made today. We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for adjudication.

— G.M., Georgia

I am an international student from Nigeria who recently graduated in December 2025. Before, I applied for OPT in November 2025, and after more searching, I landed a new grad job at a big tech company. In January 2026, I noticed there was no movement, so I paid for premium processing since my start date was in February. With hope, I shipped my luggage, booked my flight, and found an apartment near my job. But as we got closer, I noticed nothing was happening. I have tried to shift my start date, but the company is getting hasty because they don't know when the hold will end. But I have been stuck and can't start my new job, trying to get out of the lease I signed for my new job location without even staying there. I tried sending the premium processing USCIS email, but I haven't gotten a response. I am just tired and hoping for something to be done

— Tennessee

I am a physician and researcher. Although I am not a citizen of any of the banned countries and have never been, I was born in one of them while my parents were working there when I was very young. I have secured a position in an underserved area to fulfill my J-1 visa waiver requirement through the Conrad 30 program, which requires full-time employment for three years on an H-1B visa. However, my H-1B petition is currently on hold, and my J-1 status is ending soon. This situation is affecting not only my career but also the patients I am committed to serving. Additionally, my family and I are now in a very difficult position. After three months of uncertainty, this has been extremely distressing. At this point, even a denial would feel easier than remaining in prolonged uncertainty.

— AE, Michigan

I am a single father of two boys. I have raised them alone since they were toddlers — no custody battle, no shared weekends. Just me and two small children and the understanding that I was it. The only parent they would ever rely on. We came to the United States lawfully through my employer several years ago. My sons enrolled in school, made friends, learned to dream in a new language. For the first time in years, I let myself believe the ground beneath us was solid. Then the pause froze my pending petition overnight. No notice. No explanation addressed to me. I found out from the internet. What haunts me is not my own uncertainty. It is the calendar. Under immigration law, a child loses eligibility for their parent's green card at twenty-one. My older son is approaching that birthday. Every day the hold continues is a day stolen from him — not because of anything he did, but because of the coordinates of the hospital where he was born. I have done everything a father can do. I assembled adjustment of status packages for all three of us. I tracked down vaccination records across countries. I spent thousands on fees, exams, and legal advice. I tracked public USCIS data obsessively and watched approvals for people like us vanish overnight. There is no one to share this weight with. No partner lying next to me when I run scenarios at midnight. No co-parent to call when the dread gets heavy. My boys see me at the dinner table, but they also see the tension I try and fail to hide. My older son knows his birthday has become a deadline. My younger son is quieter than he used to be. We followed every rule. Filed every form. Paid every fee. All I am asking is for my children not to be punished for where they happened to be born.

— New York

I have lost two job offers because of the visa inconsistencies that have plagued this great country since the new administration. I got laid off in July of last year. I managed to get an offer in October but right when we were about to start the H1B visa transfer process, the government shutdown happened. I then put in an application to switch to B2 to maintain status. We all know how long the shutdown went. I eventually lost the new job because the company could not wait long and indefinitely and because they needed someone to start immediately. I kept interviewing and managed to get a second offer in December. The COS was then filed in January and the company paid premium processing and its been over 70 days with zero response. I am about to lose this second job offer. I am financially exhausted and there seems to be no end in sight. The hold makes no sense. The proclamation says extra vetting and it does not mention H1, yet H1 visas are being affected and no vetting at all seems to be taking place. I am from Nigeria but have spent more of my life in this country than my original country. I also have a government clearance so obviously I have been vetted extra. Punishing entire countries over the sins of a couple bad eggs seems highly reductive. I am working on getting a third offer but who knows when I would actually get to work again? My life has been put on hold. I am having to move out of my place to stay with friends since there's no end in sight with this ban. And yet the bills still have to be paid every month. If you're going to ban people from working, maybe ban bills too? Nothing makes sense anymore. They tell you to go the right route, to do the right thing, yet legal immigration is being punished. I have an approved i140 and yet I can't do anything about it.

— Maryland

I am a U.S.-trained registered nurse from Nigeria who came to the United States on an F-1 visa to pursue nursing education and gain clinical experience. My goal has never been to remain permanently, but to gain the hands-on skills needed to better serve vulnerable populations both in the United States and in Nigeria. Because of the immigration pause affecting Nigerians, I am unable to move forward with gaining the practical experience required to fully utilize my degree. I followed the rules, invested years in my education, and am now ready to care for patients, especially the elderly and underserved, but I am unable to do so. Some may say I should simply return to Nigeria. However, the purpose of my training in the United States was to gain experience that would allow me to make a greater impact. I am not asking to stay permanently. I am asking for the opportunity to gain the experience I trained for and contribute where I am needed most.

— New York

I lawfully came into the US as a postdoc scholar in 2023 on a J1 visa, I got my I-140 (EB1A) approved in April 2025, two weeks after my postdoc research funding ended, I extended my J1 status (without pay), and applied for J1 (212e) waiver which took approximately 5 months of extensive review (vetting) by the Department of State and USCIS to get it approved. After my I-612 was approved, I concurrently filed I-485 and I-765 in the first week of October 2025, completed the biometrics in the same month, interview waived, and the status of my application has remined pending since that time. I subsequently got two jobs, one from my university and the other from a top 1% car company in Michigan, but I could not start due to my pending employment authorization. I wrote severally to USCIS via congressional platforms, describing my contributions to US energy sector, how as a Chemical Engineer, I have developed solar cells and scalable design methods that attracted over $250,000 in grants and generated royalty revenues for my university, and how staying out of job for 10 months has caused me severe financial hardship. However, USCIS declined my requests by citing the policy memorandum of January 1, 2026. Moreover, I have to fulfil additional financial obligations such as tax returns, house rent, health insurance, etc. I have not violated a single immigration policy of the US; I have contributed scientifically to the economy of a top 1% university in the country; I have emptied my savings because of the passion for renewable energy research; however, USCIS broadly subjected me to these financial hardships not because of any discovered record of immigration fraud about me or my case, but just being Nigerian. We understand that I-485 may require additional review, how about approving I-765 for people to work and support themselves while I-485 is processed?

— Michigan

I came to the United States in 2020 as an F1 student from Nigeria, and have consistently followed all immigration rules and requirements since then. I came here with the idea that the US is meritocratic and rewards hard work and talent. I graduated with a PhD in engineering, and I’m now a postdoc at a government research lab. I’ve maintained my status, submitted everything on time, and stayed compliant throughout my studies and work. Right now, the USCIS hold on my STEM OPT EAD application is putting my job at risk. This situation is out of my control, yet it directly affects my ability to continue to work and contribute to the US. I also have a pending I-140 petition, for which I believe I’m more than qualified, which has now been indefinitely paused. I’m simply trying to continue working and continue to contribute to science at the top of my field.

— New Mexico

I came to the US in 2016 as an F1 student from Venezuela, and have always followed the legal pathways to maintain my status in the US. I graduated with an engineering degree from a top public university and immediately joined the workforce in the biotechnology/medical device industry. I've dedicated my career to developing life changing medical devices. In July 2025, I submitted my adjustment of status application (I-485, I-765), hoping I would get my new EAD before the expiration of my previous work authorization. However, the pause changed everything as I have not yet received my new EAD or a decision for my adjustment of status. Because of this, I lost my job as a medical device professional in November 2025, alongside a new job offer in the medical device industry that I had already accepted.

— Massachusetts

I came to the United States in 2015 as an F1 student from Gabon, and have consistently followed all immigration rules and requirements since then. I’ve maintained my status, submitted everything on time, and stayed compliant throughout my studies and work. Right now, the USCIS hold on my OPT EAD application is putting my job at risk. This situation is out of my control, yet it directly affects my ability to continue working. I am still in the U.S. to complete my path toward obtaining my Professional Engineer (PE) license, which is important for my credibility and growth as a civil engineer. Losing my job at this stage would disrupt years of effort and progress. I’m simply trying to continue working and complete this final step in my professional development.

— AM, Texas

Day 12 of being separated from my husband 💔 What was supposed to be a joyful step in our immigration journey turned into one of the hardest seasons of our lives. We did everything the right way. We followed the legal process, received approval from USCIS, and traveled to Brazil as a family so my husband could complete his immigrant visa interview. We were so close to coming home together. Instead, I had to return to the U.S. alone with our newborn baby and our 4-year-old daughter… leaving my husband behind. Now I’m back home, caring for two young children by myself while on maternity leave, trying to be strong for them while navigating the emotional weight of doing this without my partner. My baby is growing every day without her dad here. My toddler asks for him constantly. My husband isn’t just a father — he’s also a small business owner in the U.S. His company provides maintenance services to major institutions like Boston College, Harvard, and Northeastern. His absence isn’t just affecting our family emotionally — it’s impacting our financial stability and the work he’s built. We did everything we were told to do. We followed the rules. And now we’re stuck in limbo, separated, with no clear answers or timeline. I’m sharing this because we are not alone. There are so many families like ours — doing things the right way, only to be separated with no warning. We just want to be together again. We just want to come home as a family.

— LR, Massachusetts

I came to the US on a student visa for college. I worked very hard to pursue my passion for medicine and got into a US medical school as a non-US citizen which in itself is an incredible feat. I will be graduating this semester and have matched into a residency program in a leading academic medical center. My work permit (OPT EAD) remains pending and with the pause there is no timeline of when I will receive it to start my residency program. The option of changing my status from f1 to j1 or h1b is also affected by the pause. I am very devastated. I matched into a program and specialty that many would kill to have but I have not been able to celebrate fully because of the uncertainty of this pause. I dedicated so much time, energy, resources to get into medical school in the US and took an incredible amount of debt to afford the cost of US medical education. I am so disappointed that I trusted and believed in a system that was going to fail me. I hope there is an end to this soon so that I can continue my professional career and do what I love.

— Virginia

We are a family of four (2 kids under 5 years old born in the US) under immense stress. My wife and I have been terminated by both employers and are exhausting our hard-earned savings. We moved to the USA in 2018 because of my Software Engineering and managerial skills on an L1A visa (my wife L2). For over 7 years we have been exemplary, lawful immigrants—never a single violation, not even a parking ticket. We followed every step perfectly: after our priority date became current for Final Action, we filed I-485 adjustment of status and I-765 EAD over 6 months ago, and we were confident as USCIS ETAs indicated that our cases would be processed before our visas expired. Instead, USCIS placed an indefinite hold on our applications under Policy Memorandum PM-602-0192 (December 2, 2025), because we were born in a country designated as a high-risk country under Presidential Proclamation 10998. Our L1 and L2 visas expired in the middle of this pause. Without the hold, we would have our EAD and green card cases processed in time to keep working legally. Now we cannot work, pay bills, or renew documents. Savings will run out in weeks. Our U.S.-citizen toddlers feel the tension: missed doctor visits, no daycare, constant fear. The mental strain is overwhelming—sleepless nights, anxiety, dread of explaining to our children why our lives changed all of the sudden. This national-security policy, is quietly devastating law-abiding families like ours who have contributed for years. Without urgent relief, we face homelessness, and the loss of everything we built here.

— California

I am a researcher with a PhD who has maintained lawful status in the United States throughout my stay. I filed my work authorization application (Form I-765) in October 2025 and, although it was initially expedited, it was later denied while my case remains on hold. As a result, I have been unemployed for several months and have already lost multiple job opportunities, including positions that could not be held due to my lack of work authorization. With no income during this period, I have been dealing with severe finciancal and , of course, mental hardship.

— S, North Carolina

USCIS maintains that the enacted pause is grounded in a Presidential Proclamation. However, given that the pause on non-immigrant visas for nationals of Turkmenistan has since been lifted, petitions filed from within the United States including OPT, STEM OPT extensions, and H-1B applications should not be subject to any processing delays or restrictions. In practice, this has not been the case. As a graduate of a top-ranked U.S. university and a current employee at a Fortune 100 company, I am experiencing significant and unexplained delays in adjudicating my STEM OPT extension. My application has been pending well beyond a reasonable processing timeline, and without a decision rendered before December, I stand to lose my employment authorization and consequently, my position.

— Washington

I am a citizen of Nigeria and a highly skilled researcher specializing in the field of Plant Breeding and Genetics. I hold both MS and PhD degrees in this field from a US University and have worked in a Researcher position for a top US seed company for about four years. I have consistently maintained lawful status and presence since I first came into the US as a student in 2016. I filed my Adjustment of Status and Application for Employment Authorization under the National Interest Waiver/EB2 category. This pause has directly resulted in the rescission of a recent job offer, as I am legally unable to accept employment without a valid EAD. This situation is indeed frustrating and has left me in professional and financial turmoil. I possess advanced skills necessary to be a highly productive member of the U.S. workforce, yet I am forced into a state of involuntary unemployment. I have exhausted my personal savings, and my wife is currently the sole provider for our household. As a newly married couple, this puts an extraordinary and unforeseen financial burden on her and creates significant domestic stress. It's really hard and depressing because all of this is because of the country I was born in, not what I have personally done.

— DA, Texas

After my I140 approval in June 27th, 2025, I filed for AOS, completed my biometrics on August 14th. Since August 15, 2025 is has been “Case is still being processed by USCIS” No update, nothing required on my part from the numerous times I called USCIS. It has been frustrating, I’ve been away from my wife for 3 years now, and we were hoping by December or January my approval would facilitate her i824 processing and then join me around April or May. It’s already March and there’s no hope for any of us. I lost my Dad in December 2025, the burial ceremony was in February 25-28th 2026, and I couldn’t travel back to Nigeria to pay my final respect because I’m still in AOS processing. It’s been frustrating to say the least. I really need them to take off this hold, my role here in the USA serves a lot of purpose and I came in via EB1a route because of my experience and value I bring to the nation.

— P. O, Pennsylvania

The adjudication pause has had a significant impact on my family. I am a Cuban-born senior professional with citizenship from another country. I have close to years of experience and am here on an H1B visa. Having decided to settle in the US after our first year here, we applied for adjustment of status in 2025 through the Cuban Adjustment Act. Many people don’t realize that the children of H1B holders are denied SSNs, which means we must pay taxes as if we had no dependents. For that reason alone, we need our work permits to be granted so we can pay the taxes we owe as a regular family and not more. Additionally, we are nervous about travelling abroad to visit oír relatives. Cuban Americans have a long and proud record in this country. From law and business to medicine and politics, there is no field we have not contributed to. We are known for following the law, respecting the culture, learning the language, and becoming proud Americans. We do not deserve this scrutiny.

— Florida

We were only two weeks away from our I-485 interview when it was cancelled due to the pause. We began filing for marriage-based status more than 2 years ago, although my spouse's pending asylum case is nearly 7 years old at this point. My spouse has missed out on certain career opportunities due to not having permanent status in the US, and we have needed to delay personal plans because of the uncertainty of our status and future stability. We have so much to be grateful for in our lives, and we have been blessed to not be as directly affected as so many are, but we share in the desire to belong to our community, to build peace and stability, and to extend the blessings we have received to those around us. Thanks to everyone going through this for your incredible support!

— P Family, Georgia

I came from Venezuela on an F-1 student visa, completed my studies, transitioned to OPT, and eventually became a beneficiary of Temporary Protected Status (TPS). At every step, I followed the law, met every requirement, and built a life here in good faith. That foundation began to crumble in November 2025, when TPS was terminated early. Because I was unable to obtain a new Employment Authorization Document (EAD) in time, I lost my job at one of the largest, most respected firms in the financial services industry — a position I had earned through years of hard work and dedication. Through no fault of my own, a career I had carefully built was taken from me overnight. And it did not stop there. I filed for a COS early in November of 2025; however, due to ongoing pause; it stripped away my ability to return to school for the Spring term. Along with that came the loss of a scholarship I had worked hard to secure. An opportunity for a better future, gone. The weight of all of this is difficult to put into words. The mental toll has been immense — the uncertainty, the anxiety, the feeling of watching a life you built carefully begin to unravel. But the financial strain is just as real. Without employment and without school, covering even basic discretionary expenses while waiting for the pause to be lifted has become a daily struggle. I hope stories like mine and many others contributes to a fuller picture of what is at stake for people who have done everything right and are still paying an enormous price.

— Florida

I am a lawfully present immigrant in the United States and a highly skilled researcher working in the energy sector. I hold a Ph.D. from a U.S. university and have contributed to both academic research and the development of the U.S. energy system, including work published in leading scientific journals. I entered the United States on a student visa and have continuously maintained lawful status while fully complying with all immigration laws. I am currently employed in a role that supports reliable, affordable, and clean energy development in the United States. I filed my application for adjustment of status through the employment-based (EB-2) category, following all legal requirements. However, my case has been placed on hold due to recent USCIS policy memoranda pausing adjudication for applicants from certain countries. This pause has had serious personal consequences. Due to years of visa restrictions, I have been unable to visit my family abroad. During this time, I lost close family members and was unable to see them before they passed away. Like many others in similar situations, I had hoped that the adjustment of status process would finally provide stability and allow me to reconnect with my family. I respectfully ask that USCIS lift the current adjudication pause and proceed with reviewing applications from individuals who are lawfully present in the United States and have complied fully with the law.

— A.Z, North Carolina

The adjudication pause has a devastating impact on my professional and financial stability. I hold a PhD in Engineering and have significant academic and industrial experience, including a decade of University Lecturing and two postdoctoral positions in the United Kingdom and the United States. My most recent employment was as an Engineer in a leading US automotive company. I am a law-abiding immigrant. I have never had any criminal record in or out of the US. I never violated any rule; I never had even a parking ticket. I followed due process and applied for a National Interest Waiver (Form I-140), which was approved in 2023. My date became current in 2025. My applications for forms I-765 (Employment Authorization), I-485 (Adjustment of Status), and I-131 (Travel Documents, Parole) have been pending with USCIS since July 2025. Because my country is among those indefinitely banned from adjudication, all my applications are stalled. I am a father of three children who depend entirely on my income. I lost my job six months ago due to a massive reorganization that eliminated most employees from my business unit. This has created severe financial hardship for my family. We are struggling to cover essential expenses such as housing, food, transportation, and healthcare. In January 2026, I received a new job offer from another leading U.S. company after a series of interviews, including an on-site visit. The company needed someone who could start within a month. I requested the USCIS to consider our situation and grant me at least work authorization (Form I-765). I provided all the evidence supporting my request. Nevertheless, the USCIS rejected my application instantaneously. My senator has also submitted an expedited request on my behalf, but it was unsuccessful. This was how I lost my new job offer and remained unemployed despite my ability to work and contribute to the system. The living conditions for the family of five, including three children is difficult.

— FG, Michigan

I just got matched into Medical residency. I am suppose to switch from f1 to H1b or J1 visa to start residency. The recent pause is making it look like a pipe dream, with no where to turn. I love to help people which is why I went into medicine. To be denied of this opportunity even though most healthcare works already go through ridiculous background checks just because of the country of origin is scary.

— NA, Texas

I came to the United States to build a future through education, research, and hard work. As a Ph.D. candidate in Electrical and Computer Engineering, I followed every rule—maintaining lawful status and preparing for the next step: Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT is not a privilege in the abstract—it is a regulated and established right available to international students who meet all requirements. It is the bridge between years of study and real-world contribution. When I filed my application, I had secured a full-time job offer with a defined start date. Everything depended on receiving that authorization. Then came the USCIS “indefinite pause.” Without warning or timeline, my application was left in limbo. It was neither approved nor denied—just stalled. As deadlines approached, I faced an impossible choice: wait and risk losing my legal status and job, or withdraw my application to protect my future. I chose to withdraw. That decision cost me over $2,000 in filing fees, but the deeper impact was on my mental health. The uncertainty was overwhelming. I went from celebrating a major milestone to worrying about my legal status, financial stability, and whether I would be able to complete my degree. What makes this situation even more troubling is that the pause appears to disproportionately affect applicants based not on merit, compliance, or contribution—but on nationality. Despite doing everything correctly, I found myself treated differently simply because of the passport I hold. Policies should be fair, transparent, and consistent. When they are not, the consequences are deeply personal. My story is not unique. Many international students are navigating the same uncertainty—caught between compliance and unpredictability. All we ask for is fairness, clarity, and the ability to move forward under the same rules we committed to from the beginning.

— Oregon

Being separated because of this visa pause has definitely created a lot of changes that I didn't imagine. What we thought was going to be a short wait, has now stretched into uncertainty for the future. I'm a US citizen married to my husband who's from Pakistan. We've been married for 2 years now and have a beautiful baby boy. This pause has left me on my own, raising a one year old while trying to manage work and daily responsibilities. Caring for my child has been beautiful but also exhausting. Seeing his milestones are also bittersweet for me as these are the moments I wish my husband was with me so that we could both wholeheartedly enjoy these moments. Instead, we have to rely on video calls which to be honest can never replace the comfort of physically being there. Even though we support each other from afar, being distant from your partner for so long can take a toll on one's wellbeing, as you miss the comfort of your partner's presence. Even for my baby, the absence of his father during his growing years truly shows how immigration delays impact families beyond the scope of paperwork and timelines. I'm still trying to remain hopeful and pray that everything comes back on track so my husband can be with us soon and we can work on building the life we both dreamed of.

— Delaware

This pause has been genuinely soul-crushing for me and my partner. I have lived in Canada since I was five and am a Trusted Traveller. But my birth country (which I haven't visited in nearly a decade and hold no passport for) has placed me under an indefinite, indiscriminate pause that is costing me time, money, my career, and my well-being. My small business is on hold. I can't see my family. I am terrified of having to leave if this drags on unreasonably—and what that would mean for my 5-year relationship, my future, and my ability to simply build a life with my spouse. I feel dehumanized. All I want is to integrate, to contribute, to be normal. I am a good person with a big heart. I want to bring my creativity, my offerings, and my small business here, with a clear plan to hire American staff and contractors, adding to the job market. Instead, I am forced to remain a spectator, my life paused, my future uncertain. With an EAD and AP, I could at least work from Canada to help sustain us, or begin building my business here while further vetting takes place. It is undignified to be subject to such an inhumane hold on both income and movement, especially with no criminal history and always having lawful presence in the US. I have visited the U.S. countless times since I was 6. I have celebrated birthdays, holidays, and milestones here. I have given so much of my love to this land. This country has always been a second home—I have more family here than in Canada. I have never overstayed. I am Canadian. But I am being treated with unreasonable cruelty, simply because of where I happened to be born. I am exhausted on so many accounts.

— California

After 9 long years in the US, first completing my medical degree on an F1 visa, then my residency during the height of the pandemic, and now my fellowship, I should be elated to finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Instead, I'm consumed by anxiety and uncertainty.When I first came to the US, I was driven and determined. I poured my heart and soul into this calling, working tirelessly to become the best physician I could be. Now, with a job offer in an underserved area where my specialty is desperately needed, I find myself in immigration limbo.My green card application which was submitted before the ban is on hold due to the recent ban, and to make matters worse, my H1B extension is now in jeopardy. This puts the job offer I worked so hard to secure at risk. All my sacrifices, the sleepless nights feels futile if i cannot do what i love...being able to take care of patients. I just want to help people, but my future is hanging by a thread.The wait times for my specialty are over 6 months. There's such a need for providers like me, and yet I may be forced out of this path entirely. I lie awake at night, terrified of losing everything I've worked for.I refuse to give up, but the weight of this burden is crushing. I don't know what the future holds, but I have to find a way to keep going. All I can do is focus on my work and pray that somehow, someway, the path forward will become clear.

— California

I am originally from Venezuela. Because of the crisis in my country, I was forced to leave and eventually sought protection in the United States. Over time I built a life here. I work, contribute to my community, and follow the law. I married my husband, who is a U.S. citizen, and we filed my adjustment of status (I-485) and petition for alien relative (I-130) in January 2025 so that we could finally build a stable future together. It has been a year already since we submitted our case. My case has been stuck in adjudication, with no decision yet. We have been waiting for many months without any explanation while our lives remain on hold. The uncertainty is one of the hardest parts. My husband and I want to plan our future, advance our careers, and build a family, but it is difficult when everything depends on a process that seems to be on hold indefinitely. I came to this country hoping for stability and safety, and I have tried to do everything the right way. I only hope that my case will be reviewed and decided so that my husband and I can continue building our life together in the United States.

— PR, Wisconsin

I am an international student on F-1 status, and I just graduated in December, 2025. All international students can apply for OPT work authorization and can work for 12 months after graduation. I got a job offer from one of the robotics companies in Silicon Valley in January. Because of this adjudication pause, I am still unable to obtain employment authorization to join them, and the company has been waiting for my on-boarding since January. Moreover, since my OPT employment is only available for 12-months, when my application has been put on hold, my employment days have shrunk under 12 months and keeps shrinking day after day. All this happened only because of my national origin, and if I was not from Burma (or from any of the 39 restricted countries), I would have no problem to enjoy my employment and grow my future career.

— T. Zaw, New York

Yes, this pause has resulted in significant suffering for me and my family. I’m a practicing resident physician in the Metro Detroit area in Michigan, which is well known for having large underserved communities and a massive patient population. I worked incredibly hard to get here. I borrowed money from family and friends to take my exams and apply for the Match. I also support my family overseas, and both of my parents are now elderly and rely on me. I did nothing wrong. I came to the United States legally and have maintained legal status the entire time I have been here. I have been living in the U.S. for four years now and have never even received a driving ticket. I love my patients and look forward every day to going to work, serving them, and providing the best care I can. All of a sudden, this hold has completely disrupted my life. My H-1B status has been frozen for an unknown period of time because of this “extra vetting” process. I have been left in limbo, unable to practice my profession and unable to care for my patients. This situation has also created a significant financial burden on me and on the family members who depend on me. My hospital even sent a letter to USCIS explaining my character and emphasizing the importance of allowing me to continue working. They explained that preventing me from practicing could negatively affect my patients and place additional strain on my colleagues who would have to cover my responsibilities. I truly love this country. I came here the right way and have always followed the rules. My goal has always been to serve the people here and provide my patients with the best care I possibly can. If additional vetting is necessary, I completely understand and I have nothing to hide. But I sincerely ask that the process be completed as quickly as possible so I can return to my work, my life, and most importantly, to caring for my patients.

— AA, Michigan

I got married in 2023 at 29 thinking the wait would be short. It has been three years. I am in Pakistan. My husband is a US citizen. He runs his own business there alone there is no one else to handle it so even visiting is not easy. In three years he has managed to come just once. For 15 days. That is all we have had as husband and wife. The rest has been phone calls, screens, and distance. Arguments that never fully resolve because there is no way to truly make up over a call. Misunderstandings that pile up because we never got the chance to actually live together and learn each other. What makes it harder is that our visa is getting delayed because of the pause on immigration processing. We are not just waiting on a system we are waiting on a system that has been frozen. I am 32 now and I feel every single day of this wait. I am still young. My life could start right now I have so much to give, so much I want to build. A home, a family, a future with my husband. But instead of living it I am just waiting for it. And I do not know when that wait will finally end.

— AJ, California

I am from Pakistan and I got married to my husband in 2022. His IR1 visa interview finally took place in February 2025, but since then his case has been placed in Administrative Processing. Now, with the recent visa pause, our separation has been prolonged even further. It has been more than four years of waiting, and the distance has been incredibly difficult for both of us. Because I work full-time, we are only able to see each other for about two weeks each year. This situation has taken a serious toll on my mental and physical health, and the uncertainty about our future together worries me the most. We just want to know when we will finally be able to start our life together.

— SA, Missouri

I have had an approved I-140 under the EB2-NIW category for two years. I waited patiently for my priority date to become current in the visa bulletin, and after a long wait I was finally able to file my adjustment of status in October 2025. I invested approximately $10,000 in filing fees and legal costs, yet I have not even received my work permit. My previous status expired, and I have now spent several months without authorization to work. During this time I have been living off my savings, but those reserves are now exhausted. I am now facing the painful possibility of having to leave the United States and losing everything. I would lose the money I invested in my adjustment of status. I would leave this country in debt. I would also have to leave behind my children and my granddaughter, facing a separation from my family without any clear idea of when we might be able to be together again. This situation has been a nightmare. The stress and uncertainty have pushed me to the point of needing antidepressant medication. These have been the most difficult months of my life. The fear, the uncertainty, and the constant worry about being detained or placed in immigration custody for not having status have made me afraid to even leave my home. My mind feels overwhelmed and exhausted. I cannot sleep well, and my days pass in a constant state of anguish. We do not believe we deserve to be treated this way. If USCIS has already recognized, in some measure, that I am a professional with an advanced degree whose work is considered in the national interest, how can we be treated as if we were criminals or terrorists? I understand that national security must always come first, but policies should also be fair. There should be clear rules rather than leaving people in a state of uncertainty and limbo that ultimately ends up destroying our well-being and our health.

— V.O, Florida

In 2016, I moved to the United States to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. I successfully completed the program in 2020 and then worked as a software engineer under OPT and STEM OPT work authorization. After gaining industry experience, I decided to further my education and enrolled in a Master’s program in Computer Science. I graduated in December 2025 and was fortunate to receive a job offer from my dream company, with a start date of February 9, 2026. To prepare for this opportunity, I applied for OPT work authorization in November 2025 and paid for premium processing in January 2026 to expedite the process. Unfortunately, it has now been over four months since I submitted my application, and I have still not received approval, despite paying for premium processing. Throughout this entire process, I have carefully maintained my status and followed all required rules and regulations. However, I am now facing a very difficult situation. I have depleted my emergency savings and am currently relying on credit cards and the generosity of friends and family to cover my basic living expenses. The longer this delay continues, the more financial hardship I experience as my debt continues to grow. In addition, I worked extremely hard to earn this job offer, and through no fault of my own, I am now in danger of losing this opportunity.

— Georgia

I applied for my adjustment of status (I-485) about one and a half years ago with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. It has also been about three months since I applied for my work permit (I-765, category C09). My current work permit is close to expiring, and this has created a lot of stress for me. If my case is not processed and my work permit is not renewed, I may not be able to continue working. Without the ability to work, it becomes very difficult to manage basic responsibilities such as paying rent and supporting my daily living expenses. This situation has put my life on hold and created serious uncertainty for my future and my family.

— AG, Virginia

Travel ban has separated me and my wife for 3 years now. She is in Afghanistan, living under the Taliban regime, due to which she was forced to leave her medical school in the last semester, because the Taliban banned all girls’ schools. She can’t work either because of they also banned women from working. Her only hope was to move to the USA and restart her education, and live a happy life with her husband. But this ban vanished all those hopes. She always keeps asking me when this will be over? But I don’t have an answer for that. She is depressed because of that. This impacted me as well. I can’t travel to Afghanistan to see her because my family believes the Taliban will detain or torture me for their political purposes if I go there and they find out I live in the U.S.

— California