Summary
The U.S. State Department has stopped giving visas to people with Afghan passports and paused asylum requests. This decision by President Trump's administration follows an attack on National Guard members in Washington, DC, involving a suspect from Afghanistan.
Key Facts
- The U.S. paused issuing visas for Afghan passport holders for “public safety” reasons.
- U.S. immigration authorities have also stopped making decisions on asylum applications.
- Afghan national Rahmanaullah Lakanwal is accused of attacking National Guard members, resulting in one death and another critically injured.
- State Secretary Marco Rubio confirmed the visa pause on social media.
- Lakanwal reportedly worked for the CIA in Afghanistan and came to the U.S. in 2021.
- Charges against Lakanwal have been raised to first-degree murder and assault.
- USCIS stated asylum decisions are paused to ensure thorough vetting.
- President Trump critiques previous immigration policies and suggests further restrictions.
