Trump pauses all asylum requests, visas for Afghans after DC shooting review

Trump pauses all Afghan asylum and visa processing

The Trump administration has ordered an immediate halt to all asylum decisions for Afghan nationals and paused the issuance of visas for travelers using Afghan passports. Officials describe this as an indefinite suspension while security and vetting procedures undergo a comprehensive review.

Trigger for the suspension

Authorities moved to suspend processing shortly after a shooting near the White House in which two National Guard members were wounded and the suspect was identified as an Afghan national. The suspect is reported to have entered the United States in 2021 under a Biden-era initiative created for Afghans leaving the country after the Taliban returned to power.

Scope of the pause

The order covers asylum claims, visa applications, and other immigration pathways available to Afghan nationals until the review is completed. This affects Afghans already in the United States seeking permanent status, as well as those abroad who had hoped to travel, reunite with family, or relocate through existing programs.

Impact on Afghans who aided the US

Tens of thousands of Afghans were evacuated to the United States in 2021 as the long war in Afghanistan ended and the Taliban took control. Many worked with the US government or military and pursued Special Immigrant Visas, asylum, family-based visas, or temporary protections while trying to secure a stable legal status. The pause adds new uncertainty for these people, especially those whose applications were still in process.

Official justification and political reaction

Officials frame the decision as a homeland security measure intended to ensure that vetting systems are sufficiently strict and up to date. President Trump has argued that all individuals who entered from Afghanistan under prior policies must be reexamined and that anyone who does not benefit the country should be removed.

“We must now reexamine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden, and we must take all necessary measures to ensure the removal of any alien from any country who does not belong here or add benefit to our country.”

While there is bipartisan support for helping Afghans who assisted US forces, some Republicans have long questioned whether existing screening procedures are adequate, and the shooting has intensified that debate. The administration’s move is likely to face legal and political challenges from advocates who argue that broad suspensions harm vulnerable people who passed prior security checks.

Author’s summary: The US has frozen Afghan asylum and visa processing after a DC shooting, deepening uncertainty for evacuated Afghans while the Trump administration demands tougher security vetting.

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The Times of India The Times of India — 2025-11-30

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