Following a violent incident near the White House that resulted in the death of a National Guard member and injuries to another, the United States has implemented an immediate suspension of visa issuance for all travelers holding Afghan passports. The State Department announced this critical measure on the social media platform X, stating, “The Department of State has IMMEDIATELY paused visa issuance for individuals traveling on Afghan passports.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed the government’s dedication to safeguarding the nation, emphasizing that American safety is the highest priority.
Coinciding with the visa suspension, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has also put a hold on all asylum decisions. USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow explained the agency’s position 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.” This move complements an earlier decision by the State Department to halt immigration petitions from Afghan nationals pending a comprehensive security assessment. The alleged perpetrator, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a “criminal alien from Afghanistan,” had entered the U.S. in 2021 under the Operation Allies Welcome initiative and was subsequently granted asylum. He reportedly traveled from Washington state to commit the offense. The shooting has prompted calls for stringent immigration reforms, with former President Trump calling it an “act of terror” and advocating for the removal of immigrants perceived as threats.