US Issues Sudden Freeze on Afghan Visa and Asylum Requests
The United States has abruptly suspended the issuance of all visas to individuals holding Afghan passports. It has also halted decisions on asylum applications submitted by Afghan nationals. The move marks a major shift in immigration policy at a time when many Afghans still seek safety after the Taliban takeover.
According to international news agencies, the US State Department says the action is a necessary step for national security. Officials argue that the suspension aims to protect the public while agencies review their screening procedures.
The announcement affects thousands of Afghans. Many of them are waiting for updates on humanitarian visas, resettlement claims, or asylum appeals. Several fled Afghanistan after 2021 and depend on US immigration programs for long-term protection.
Also Read:
USCIS Orders Pause Until Security Checks Are Complete
Following the State Department’s announcement, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued its own directive. The agency ordered staff to halt all case decisions for foreign nationals whose security vetting is still pending.
Joseph Edlow, the USCIS director, said no case will move forward without full and verified security clearance. He also stressed that the agency will apply a strict risk-prevention approach for all applicants.
Security vetting normally includes biometric scans and checks against intelligence databases. These reviews already take months. Under the new instructions, wait times may increase further, leaving many applicants in uncertainty.
Trump Signals Tougher Stance on Migration
This policy shift follows remarks by former President Donald Trump. A day earlier, he announced plans to permanently restrict migration from what he called “third world countries” if he returns to office. He also suggested that citizenship could be revoked from individuals who present a threat to internal security.
His comments mirror policies from his previous term, including the 2017 travel ban. While the current suspension was announced by federal agencies, analysts say the political climate is shaping immigration decisions across Washington.
Shooting Near the White House Heightens Concerns
The freeze comes after a shooting near the White House. US media report that an Afghan-born man opened fire on National Guard personnel close to a restricted security zone. One female Guard member was killed and another was critically wounded.
The suspect arrived in the US in 2021 under a resettlement program designed for Afghans linked to American operations. His case has raised questions about the vetting of evacuees from Afghanistan.
Investigators say the attack influenced the rapid adoption of the new immigration measures. Officials argue they need to reassess all screening steps to prevent similar incidents.
Afghan Families Face New Uncertainty
The suspension has added new pressure on Afghan refugees and asylum seekers. Many already struggle with long delays, complex paperwork, and limited legal support. Families separated during the chaotic 2021 evacuation fear they will remain apart for much longer.
Human rights groups warn that blanket restrictions could endanger vulnerable people who fled persecution or violence. They argue that many Afghans still face threats under Taliban rule.
US officials say the freeze is temporary. However, they have not given a timeline for the resumption of visa or asylum processing. Until then, thousands of Afghans remain in limbo, waiting for clarity on their future.
