US Suspends Afghan Visa Issuance Following Washington DC Incident

The U.S. Department of State announced on Saturday, November 29, that it has immediately paused issuing visas to anyone traveling with an Afghan passport. According to a statement shared on X, the decision was made to protect national security and ensure public safety in the United States.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on the policy shift, emphasizing that safety is the top priority. He stated, “The United States has no higher priority than protecting our nation and our people,” while also confirming that visa issuance for Afghan passport holders is on hold.

This move follows a tragic incident near the White House where an Afghan national allegedly shot two National Guard members. One, 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom, lost her life, while the other, 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, remains in critical condition. The shooting occurred on November 26, and President Trump was not at the residence during the event.

The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered the U.S. in 2021 through a relocation program for Afghans who supported U.S. operations during the war. Though the program began under President Biden, Lakanwal received asylum during Trump’s presidency. Authorities say he traveled across the country before carrying out the attack, using a high-powered revolver. He was wounded during a gunfire exchange with Guard personnel.

Following the attack, President Trump announced plans for stricter immigration controls. He proposed a “permanent pause” on immigration from what he referred to as “all Third World countries.” Trump also pledged to end admissions linked to previous policies and to revoke federal benefits for non-citizens. Additionally, he vowed to deport individuals considered security threats and pursue the denaturalization of those undermining U.S. stability.

Afghan passports, U.S. visa ban, national security, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, Trump immigration policy