U.S. Immigration Policies Shift Amid National Guard Shooting Fallout

The United States government has paused all asylum applications and visas for Afghan nationals following the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C. This decision came shortly after President Trump called for a review of immigration policies and vowed to tighten regulations.

According to the New York Times, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Joseph Edlow announced that all asylum decisions would be halted until the agency could ensure maximum vetting of applicants.

Trump’s administration has been increasingly restrictive in immigration matters since he took office, and this latest action affects individuals already in the U.S. who fear persecution if they return to Afghanistan.

The State Department also stated that it would stop issuing visas for Afghan nationals, including those who assisted U.S. efforts during the two-decade-long war in Afghanistan. The move has raised alarms among advocates who see it as a betrayal of America’s commitments to its Afghan allies.

The suspect in the shooting, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is an Afghan national who had previously obtained asylum in April after entering the U.S. in 2021 through a program for Afghan nationals fleeing Taliban rule.

Lakanwal was charged with first-degree murder and several firearm-related offenses after the attack that resulted in the death of Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and left Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe in critical condition.

According to NPR, Lakanwal had worked with a CIA-operated counterterrorism unit in Afghanistan, suggesting a complex background that complicates the narrative surrounding his actions. The Washington Post noted that the administration's rapid policy shift appears to be a direct response to heightened political pressure following the shooting, which has been described as targeted.

Advocacy groups like #AfghanEvac have condemned the decision, arguing that it violates federal laws and court orders, effectively abandoning Afghan allies who have already faced significant trauma and sacrifice.

The halt on asylum cases and visa processing is expected to exacerbate the plight of vulnerable populations amid rising violence in Afghanistan, as many Afghans fear for their lives under the current Taliban regime.

The Hill reported that the Department of State emphasized the need to protect U.S. national security and public safety, but critics argue that halting these processes could lead to dire consequences for those in need of protection.

As the investigation into the shooting continues, law enforcement agencies are coordinating closely with the National Guard to ensure safety in the capital, reflecting the heightened security concerns following this tragic incident.