(MENAFN) The Trump administration faces mounting criticism from legislators and advocacy groups following its directive to suspend immigration and asylum procedures for citizens of 19 nations already facing travel limitations, a decision critics warn will plunge thousands into legal limbo.

The measure emerged after US Citizenship and Immigration Services issued an internal memorandum mandating immediate cessation of all asylum case reviews and launching fresh security evaluations for individuals from designated "high-risk" nations who arrived in the US following January 2021.

Nations impacted by the directive include Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Venezuela, and Yemen, along with additional states under complete or partial travel prohibitions.

The administrative action arrived mere days following a Washington, DC shooting incident that claimed the life of a National Guard service member. The alleged perpetrator, an Afghan citizen who entered in 2021 and received asylum approval this year, has ignited contentious discussions regarding screening protocols.

Advocacy organizations contend the administration exploits the incident as political cover for expansive measures targeting entire populations.

Human Rights Watch informed media that the directive "scapegoats entire nationalities," cautioning: "This sweeping change is not about safety; it is about scapegoating entire nationalities for the actions of one individual. This policy will tear families apart, endanger people fleeing persecution and further damage US credibility on human rights."

The National Immigrant Justice Center indicated the suspension would likely affect thousands of pending applications. "These actions will put countless individuals and families in limbo and jeopardize their right to due process and protection under US and international law," the organization stated.

CAIR called on Congress to launch formal investigations, characterizing the directive as a "politicized expansion" of border enforcement mechanisms. "Punishing entire nationalities for the actions of a few is ineffective, discriminatory and morally indefensible," the organization's director declared.

Legislative officials also denounced recent administration messaging, particularly after President Trump specifically referenced Somali migrants during public statements.

Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar characterized the remarks as racist and Islamophobic, while Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon described them as "shameful, ugly, and un-American."

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