A tragic shooting incident near the White House, which led to the death of a National Guard soldier, has prompted the United States to impose immediate and stringent immigration controls, including a temporary halt to visa services for all Afghan passport holders. The alleged assailant was an Afghan national, prompting an urgent review of national security protocols.
The State Department has formally suspended visa processing for Afghans, a decision communicated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who stressed the administration’s unwavering commitment to protecting the nation. This swift action reflects a heightened state of alert and a proactive stance on immigration security.
Simultaneously, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has directed an immediate cessation of all asylum decisions nationwide. This broad measure is designed to allow for the implementation of more robust vetting procedures, ensuring that all asylum seekers undergo comprehensive security screenings before any decisions are made. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow confirmed these new directives.
The government is also undertaking a broader review of past immigration decisions, including asylum grants and green card applications originating from certain countries deemed to pose a higher security risk. This comprehensive reassessment aims to identify and address any potential weaknesses in the existing immigration framework.