WASHINGTON • President Donald Trump has announced he would halt the issuance of the American green cards for two months - stopping short of a sweeping immigration ban that included temporary foreign workers - but hinted at the possibility of additional restrictions that could complicate planning for businesses and workers looking to rebound from the coronavirus.

His decision will affect thousands of would-be immigrants seeking to move permanently to the United States, and further delays a green card process that is notoriously cumbersome for those seeking to remain in the country.