US Reviewing Old Immigration Files 2026: Visa Pause Litigation & Denaturalization Risk Alert

The Department of State has confirmed an update in the ongoing litigation surrounding the immigrant visa pause, a policy that has disrupted consular processing worldwide and left thousands of applicants in limbo. The legal challenge targets the administration's authority to suspend immigrant visa issuance, and a DOS confirmation signals the case is progressing through the courts with potential implications for resuming suspended interviews globally. In parallel, federal agencies are intensifying reviews of historical immigration files, raising the specter of denaturalization proceedings for individuals whose naturalization may be challenged on procedural or substantive grounds. This development follows reports of ICE confiscating green cards and citizenship documents during enforcement actions, creating significant anxiety among lawful permanent residents and naturalized citizens alike. For EB-3 applicants, these developments add uncertainty to an already complex process. Applicants in consular processing pipelines face continued delays as the visa pause litigation remains unresolved. Meanwhile, those who have already received green cards or naturalized should be aware that the government's enhanced file review posture could surface issues from prior filings. Immigration attorneys are advising clients to proactively audit their immigration records for inconsistencies and to retain documentation supporting every stage of their immigration history. Any discrepancies between historical applications and current records could be flagged under the expanded review program. EB-3 applicants and green card holders should monitor developments in the visa pause litigation closely, as a court ruling in favor of plaintiffs could restore consular processing capacity and accelerate interview scheduling at embassies worldwide.