Washington (The COW News Digital) The United States has suspended visa issuance for all individuals traveling on Afghan passports, while also halting decisions on all asylum applications, the U.S. State Department announced on Wednesday. The move comes in the wake of a recent shooting incident near the White House, in which the attacker was an Afghan national who entered the U.S. under the 2021 resettlement program.
According to the State Department, the suspension is an immediate measure aimed at ensuring national security and public safety, with all necessary precautions being implemented to monitor and screen applicants effectively.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has confirmed that all decisions regarding asylum seekers from Afghanistan are temporarily paused. Agency Director Joseph Edlow stated that the suspension will remain in effect until thorough screening and background checks are completed for all foreign nationals. “We are committed to maximum screening to protect public safety before resuming decisions,” Edlow said.
This policy follows prior remarks by former President Donald Trump, who indicated intentions to permanently restrict migration from certain developing nations and revoke legal status for refugees or immigrants deemed a threat to domestic security.
The White House has emphasized that these measures are precautionary steps following the shooting incident, in which the attacker, an Afghan citizen, opened fire near the executive office complex, injuring law enforcement personnel. The administration has stressed that the suspension is not intended to target Afghan nationals indiscriminately but to ensure proper vetting during a period of heightened security concerns.
The decision has raised concerns among Afghan immigrants and refugee advocates, who argue that halting visas and asylum applications could impact thousands seeking safety from instability and conflict in Afghanistan. Legal experts have highlighted potential humanitarian implications and the need for careful balancing of security and protection obligations under international law.
Officials have indicated that updates on the resumption of visa and asylum processing will be communicated once enhanced security protocols are fully implemented. Meanwhile, Afghan communities in the U.S. continue to express concern about the broader consequences of the suspension on families and resettlement efforts.
