The Trump administration tightened immigration controls, introducing new security measures after the State Department temporarily suspended visa issuance for all Afghan passport holders. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on X that visas for Afghan travelers are paused, emphasizing national security as the top priority.

The State Department also halted all asylum rulings nationwide, following enhanced vetting procedures after a recent shooting near the White House that left two National Guard members critically injured. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow confirmed asylum decisions are on hold until applicants are thoroughly screened.

The attack was reportedly carried out by 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who had entered the US in 2021 and previously received asylum. Lakanwal allegedly shot Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, who died, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, who remains critical. In response, the administration began reviewing asylum approvals granted under the Biden administration and reassessing green card applications from nationals of 19 countries flagged for security concerns.

President Trump also announced plans to restrict migration from poorer countries, revoke citizenship of individuals deemed threats, and deport foreign nationals considered security risks. He called for “reverse migration” to address social and economic pressures, stating that only such measures can restore stability, ending with a Thanksgiving message excluding those he claimed “threaten American values.”