New Delhi, Dec. 3 -- The Donald Trump administration has imposed an immediate pause on all immigration applications filed by nationals of 19 countries previously placed under a US travel ban, triggering widespread cancellations of green card interviews and naturalisation ceremonies.

The move, which The New York Times reported as confirmed by senior officials on Tuesday, marks one of the broadest immigration slowdowns in recent years and deepens the administration's post-attack security crackdown.

The suspension comes days after two National Guard members were shot in Washington, an incident authorities have linked to Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan man who obtained asylum in April. In response, the administration announced sw...