The USCIS December 2025 memorandum issued on December 2, 2025, introduced enhanced screening guidance that affects how certain immigration applications are reviewed. While this policy does not prohibit filings, it has resulted in longer processing times for adjustment of status and naturalization cases involving applicants connected to specific countries.
This memorandum is internal guidance used by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and reflects a broader national-security-based vetting approach already familiar to many practitioners.
Countries Affected Under the USCIS December 2025 Memorandum
Although USCIS has not published a single formal list within the memorandum itself, the guidance aligns with countries that historically trigger enhanced security screening due to limited information-sharing or geopolitical concerns. These commonly include:
- Afghanistan
- Iran
- Syria
- Yemen
- Somalia
- Libya
- Sudan
- Iraq
- Eritrea
- North Korea
- Venezuela
- Cuba
- Palestinian territories / Gaza-related travel history
Applicants may be affected based on citizenship, place of birth, prior residence, or extended travel, even if they now hold lawful status in the United States.
Impact on Adjustment of Status Applications
For adjustment of status applicants, the USCIS December 2025 memorandum primarily impacts timing rather than eligibility. Eligible applicants may still file Form I-485, but should expect:
- Extended background and security checks
- Longer periods of inactivity after biometrics
- Delays at the field office level
- Additional review before final approval
These delays can be significant and, in some cases, add many months to standard processing times.
Impact on Naturalization Applications
Naturalization cases filed on Form N-400 are also affected. Applicants from or connected to designated countries may experience:
- Longer delays after the naturalization interview
- Cases held pending completion of security clearances
- Additional questioning related to travel or foreign ties
Importantly, these delays do not mean a denial and are not a finding of ineligibility.
Bottom Line
The bottom line under the USCIS December 2025 memorandum is straightforward: applications for adjustment of status and naturalization may still be submitted if the applicant is legally eligible, but processing times are likely to be longer due to enhanced screening.
Applicants should plan accordingly, maintain consistent records, and be prepared for extended review periods.
For official information, see guidance published by USCIS at https://www.uscis.gov.
If you are unsure how this memorandum affects your specific case, individualized legal guidance is strongly recommended.
