The United States has temporarily suspended visa processing for all Afghan passport holders following a serious shooting incident in Washington, D.C., which resulted in the death of a National Guard soldier. The alleged perpetrator was an Afghan national, prompting the Trump administration to immediately implement enhanced security measures and tighten immigration policies.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio officially announced the pause on visa issuance for all Afghan travelers, emphasizing that safeguarding the nation and its people is the administration’s top priority. This decisive action signifies a heightened alert level and a commitment to reinforcing national borders against perceived threats.
In addition to the visa suspension, all asylum rulings across the country have been halted. This nationwide pause is intended to allow for a thorough re-evaluation and strengthening of the vetting process for asylum applicants. Asylum officers have been instructed to stop issuing decisions until improved screening mechanisms are in place, as confirmed by USCIS Director Joseph Edlow.
The incident has spurred a wider review of immigration-related decisions, including asylum approvals and green card applications for individuals from several countries identified as having elevated security risks. The administration’s objective is to ensure the integrity of the immigration system and mitigate any potential vulnerabilities.