Washington, DC – The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the suspension of all immigration applications from Afghan nationals “indefinitely.” This comes in the wake of a shooting incident near the White House that injured two members of the US National Guard.
The statement said the decision applies to visas, asylum applications, and all other immigration pathways from Afghanistan. It will remain in effect until a comprehensive security review is completed to ensure the safety of American citizens.
The statement indicated that an Afghan migrant was involved in the incident, which prompted the authorities to take this immediate precautionary measure.
President Donald Trump confirmed that the incident was “an act of terrorism.” He called for a re-screening of all individuals who have entered the United States from Afghanistan since 2021 to bolster national security.
This decision has sparked mixed reactions among human rights organizations. They warned of the consequences of a mass suspension that could affect thousands of Afghans seeking to build new lives. Authorities, however, maintained that the decision is temporary and necessary to ensure national security and safety.
