USA stops Afghan asylum requests after shooting
The United States has paused all asylum applications from Afghan nationals after a serious shooting incident near the White House. Officials say the suspect, an Afghan man still waiting for asylum approval, is accused of shooting two National Guard soldiers in Washington, DC.
The decision was announced soon after U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the suspect came through a past resettlement program that, according to her statement, did not conduct strong enough security checks during the Biden administration.
What happened near the White House?
The shooting happened early on 27 November 2025. The suspect, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, reportedly fired at two U.S. soldiers. Both soldiers remain in critical condition, according to security officials.
Police and federal agents arrested the suspect shortly after the attack. U.S. President Donald Trump said the government will take “strong action” to make sure such incidents do not happen again.
USCIS suspends Afghan asylum files
All Afghan cases paused
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it has stopped processing all Afghan asylum files until further notice.
The agency said a full security review is required before reopening the system.
USCIS stated:
“All Afghan cases are paused while we reassess security and background checks.”
This means thousands of people who were waiting for interviews or approvals will now face longer delays.
Why the pause matters
Over 90,000 Afghans entered the U.S. under Operation Allies Welcome, a program launched after the Taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021. Many were granted temporary permission to live in the U.S., while others were still waiting for asylum decisions.
President Trump said his administration will re-check all files from that period to ensure national security.
Trump blames Biden-era program
President Trump said the suspect who carried out the shooting “was brought into the country” during Joe Biden’s term.
He added that the U.S. must:
-
review all Afghan entries from the 2021 program
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remove anyone considered a security threat
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protect Americans through stricter entry rules
Trump emphasized that anyone who poses a danger “should not stay in the country.”
Security officials speak out
American security agencies confirmed the arrest of the suspect and said the case is being handled with urgency. They also noted that additional screening measures may be introduced for people seeking entry or asylum.
Officials from the White House also promised full support for the injured soldiers and said updates will be given to the public as the investigation continues.
What happens next?
The Afghan asylum program will remain paused until the government finishes a full review of screening methods. Many human rights groups have expressed concerns that innocent asylum seekers will face long delays.
For related immigration updates, you can check:
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