The United States has swiftly suspended all visa issuances for holders of Afghan passports, a direct response to a tragic shooting near the White House that claimed the life of one National Guard soldier and left another fighting for survival. This move, announced by the State Department on Friday, underscores the Trump administrations renewed focus on tightening immigration vetting amid rising security concerns. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reinforced the decision on social media, stressing that safeguarding American lives remains the top priority.​

The incident unfolded on November 26 when 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal allegedly ambushed two National Guard members—Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom from West Virginia and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe—just blocks from the White House. Beckstrom succumbed to her injuries, while Wolfe remains in critical condition, prompting an outpouring of grief from local leaders like Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, who called it a targeted act of violence. Lakanwal, who entered the U.S. in 2021 under a prior humanitarian program and received asylum approval this year, faces charges including first-degree murder; his motive is still under investigation.​

Beyond the visa pause, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has frozen all asylum decisions nationwide and halted processing of over 100,000 pending Afghan cases from the chaotic 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal. President Trump, labeling the attack an act of terror, has vowed a permanent migration pause from certain nations and a rigorous review of green cards issued to immigrants from 19 countries of concern. This escalation builds on earlier promises to overhaul vetting protocols, ensuring no one slips through amid ongoing global instability.​

Afghan advocacy groups, like AfghanEvac, decried the visa suspension as potentially unlawful, arguing it punishes an entire community for one individuals actions and endangers U.S. allies left behind. For Afghans fleeing Taliban rule, this closes a vital escape route, echoing challenges faced by refugees worldwide—much like how Europes 2015 migrant crisis reshaped policies there. As the review unfolds, travelers with Afghan passports face indefinite delays, highlighting the delicate balance between security and humanitarian needs in U.S. policy.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from BBC.