U.S. Suspends Afghan Immigration Following Shooting of National Guard Members in Washington, D.C.
The United States government has indefinitely suspended all immigration processing for Afghan nationals in the wake of a shooting that critically injured two National Guard members near the White House.
The decision was announced by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), citing security concerns and the need to review vetting protocols for Afghan entrants.
The incident occurred late on November 27, 2025, when a 29-year-old Afghan national, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, reportedly opened fire on two guards stationed near the White House. The assailant, who entered the United States in 2021 under an Afghan resettlement program, was taken into custody by U.S. authorities.
President Donald J. Trump described the shooting as an “act of terror” and called for a comprehensive review of Afghan immigration procedures. Following the attack, the administration announced the suspension of all Afghan immigration requests, stating that no new visas or resettlement approvals will be processed until security and vetting measures are reassessed.
The suspension has sparked concern among refugee and immigrant rights organizations, who warn that the measure could negatively affect tens of thousands of Afghans who fled their country to escape persecution under the Taliban regime.
Critics argue that many of these individuals have already undergone rigorous vetting and are seeking safety and resettlement in the United States.
The development underscores the ongoing tension between national security priorities and humanitarian obligations. U.S. officials have indicated that the suspension will remain in effect until a thorough review of security protocols is completed, leaving Afghan applicants in a state of uncertainty regarding their immigration status.
