The United States has immediately paused issuing visas to people traveling on Afghan passports. The decision was announced on Friday as the Trump administration tightened immigration rules after the deadly attack on two National Guard members near the White House.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the move in a post on X. He stated that visa services for travellers using Afghan passports were suspended until further notice. Rubio said the step was necessary to protect “public safety” following Wednesday’s shooting in Washington, DC.
Authorities identified Rahmanaullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the US under Operation Allies Welcome, as the suspected attacker. He allegedly ambushed West Virginia National Guard members Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, during their patrol near the White House.
Beckstrom passed away on Thursday, while Wolfe remains in critical condition.
Suspect’s Background and Criminal Charges
The CIA confirmed that Lakanwal once worked for a CIA-backed unit in Afghanistan. He relocated to the United States shortly after the 2021 withdrawal of US and NATO forces.
On Friday, US Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro announced upgraded charges. Lakanwal now faces first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed.
The incident has increased scrutiny of immigration routes created for Afghans who supported US forces during the war.
US Freezes Asylum and Green Card Reviews
In a related announcement, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) paused all asylum decisions. Agency director Joseph Edlow said the halt would remain in place “until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible.”
Edlow also launched a new review of all green cards issued to immigrants from “countries of concern.” This includes Afghans who arrived through Operation Allies Welcome.
US immigration authorities confirmed that the asylum pause will continue indefinitely.
Trump Expands Immigration Restrictions
President Donald Trump described the DC shooting as a “terrorist attack.” He sharply criticized former president Joe Biden’s immigration policies, especially programs created for Afghans who partnered with US forces.
Trump said he would review all green card applications from 19 “countries of concern” and suspend immigration from what he called “all Third World countries.” He also vowed to remove any migrant he considers a threat to national stability.
Since returning to office in January, Trump has pushed additional limits on immigration. In October, he announced that the US would accept only 7,500 refugees in 2026, the lowest number since 1980.
Visa Freeze Adds New Pressure
The State Department and USCIS announcements mark a major escalation in the administration’s immigration crackdown. The freeze affects thousands of Afghans waiting for visas and asylum decisions. Rubio defended the measures, saying national safety remains the top priority.
In other news read more about Alleged Afghan-Origin Shooter Linked to CIA and US Special Forces
As investigations into the Washington attack continue, federal agencies expect a long review process for Afghan immigration cases. The policy shift has already created concern among migrant communities and advocacy groups.
