The United States has immediately suspended all visa processing for individuals holding Afghan passports. This critical decision follows a recent shooting incident near the White House where an Afghan national fatally shot a National Guard member and injured another. The State Department confirmed the pause via a post on X, stating that “The Department of State has IMMEDIATELY paused visa issuance for individuals traveling on Afghan passports.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the administration’s commitment to national security, declaring that protecting Americans is the nation’s “highest priority.”
Adding to these measures, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has also halted all asylum decisions. USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow announced on X, “USCIS has halted all asylum decisions until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible. The safety of the American people always comes first.” Prior to these announcements, the State Department had already stopped all immigration requests from Afghans pending a review of security protocols. The suspect, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered the U.S. in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome and had previously been granted asylum. This individual had traveled from Washington state to carry out the attack. Former President Trump has characterized the shooting as an “act of terror” and vowed to take action against foreigners he deems undesirable, while also criticizing the vetting processes for Afghan arrivals.