Trump Administration Halts Asylum Decisions Following Shooting Incident

Thu Dec 04 2025 20:19:06 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In the aftermath of a fatal shooting involving a National Guard member, the Trump administration has announced the suspension of asylum decisions and visa issuance for Afghan passport holders. This move raises concerns about the impact on individuals who supported U.S. missions in Afghanistan.

The recent shooting near the White House has led the Trump administration to pause all asylum decisions and suspend the issuance of visas for Afghan passport holders. The suspect, an Afghan national who previously worked with the CIA, now faces multiple charges including first-degree murder. Trump's administration is using this incident to justify a stricter immigration policy, prompting backlash from communities advocating for Afghan resettlement. Experts argue that existing vetting processes are robust, but the pause is likely to exacerbate delays in asylum claims, further affecting vulnerable populations. The shooting and ensuing policies have ignited discussions on immigrant treatment and national security.

The Trump administration has halted all asylum decisions and paused issuing visas for people traveling on Afghan passports days after a tragic shooting near the White House that left a National Guard member dead and another in critical condition.

Investigators are working to uncover a motive behind the shooting, with the suspect identified as a 29-year-old Afghan national who had previously collaborated with the CIA during the Afghanistan War. He is currently facing severe charges, including first-degree murder, following his asylum approval earlier this year.

In response to this incident, the Trump administration is intensifying efforts to restrict legal immigration. Officials have pledged to pause the entry of individuals from underprivileged nations and to thoroughly review Afghans and other legal migrants already residing in the U.S.

Investigators revealed that specialist Sarah Beckstrom, aged 20, tragically lost her life in the shooting incident, while Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, aged 24, remains hospitalized with critical injuries. Both were deployed with the West Virginia National Guard as part of a crime-fighting mission directed by the Trump administration.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro's office confirmed numerous charges against Rahmanullah Lakanwal, including assault with intent to kill while armed, indicating that more charges are forthcoming.

Asylum Decisions Frozen

Following the shooting, Trump condemned the incident as a “terrorist attack” and criticized the Biden administration for previously permitting Afghan nationals to enter the U.S. in light of their service with U.S. military forces.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Joseph Edlow announced a suspension of asylum decisions to maximize the vetting and screening processes for all applicants.

Despite existing robust vetting systems for asylum-seekers, experts have noted backlogs complicating claims from within the U.S. Critics have argued that the situation has worsened since the Trump administration took over.

Alongside this issue, Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed that the visa issuance for all individuals traveling on Afghan passports has also been officially suspended.

Activists from the #AfghanEvac program have condemned the administration's use of one violent act to justify a broader crackdown on legal immigration, which they believe undermines Afghan veterans and those who served alongside them.

The Suspect's Background

Lakanwal entered the U.S. in 2021 following the Operation Allies Welcome initiative, which aimed to resettle Afghan nationals after the U.S. military withdrawal. He applied for asylum and was granted it this year.

Having served in a CIA-backed Afghan Army unit, Lakanwal's employment history includes working as a security guard, eventually advancing to significant roles within the unit. Residents of his community have described him as a quiet individual struggling to find work before the incident.

Honoring Beckstrom's Service

Sarah Beckstrom, who enlisted in 2023 and served honorably as a military police officer, was recognized for her dedication and leadership. She volunteered for the deployment to Washington D.C., showcasing her commitment to service.

This series of events has not only highlighted the complexities surrounding asylum and immigration policies but also raises profound questions about how the U.S. honors those who risk their lives in service of the nation.