Trump Administration Implements New Immigration Restrictions in Wake of Shooting

Thu Dec 04 2025 21:07:39 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In response to a recent incident involving Afghan nationals, the Trump administration announces a series of policies targeting immigrants, asylum seekers, and refugee admissions, sparking criticism from advocacy groups.

Following the shooting of two National Guard members attributed to an Afghan national, the Trump administration has enacted restrictive immigration policies including a suspension of asylum decisions and a review of green card applications. Critics claim these changes reflect collective punishment and unnecessary use of government resources. Key measures involve halting visas for Afghans who helped U.S. military efforts, and reevaluation of all refugee admissions during the Biden administration, impacting nearly 200,000 individuals.

In Washington, the Trump administration is responding to a shooting incident that left two National Guard members injured, reportedly involving an Afghan national, by implementing stringent immigration policies. The measures announced include a pause on asylum decisions, additional scrutiny of green card applications from countries deemed 'of concern', and an immediate suspension of visas for Afghans who supported U.S. operations.

Critics, including refugee advocates, argue that these steps represent a form of collective punishment against Afghan nationals and waste government resources by reopening previously resolved cases. These actions come in the wake of a memo indicating a review of tens of thousands of immigrant cases from the Biden administration.

Asylum Decisions on Hold

USCIS director Joseph Edlow stated through social media that asylum decisions are halted 'until every alien can be vetted.' Current asylum seekers, who usually plead persecution claims from their home countries, now face uncertainty regarding their applications.

The alleged perpetrator of the shooting had received asylum earlier in the year, highlighting the complexities of the screening process.

Increased Scrutiny for Specific Countries

Edlow also announced a comprehensive review of green card applications from individuals originating from what the administration refers to as 'high-risk' countries, which includes Afghanistan. This policy, according to Edlow, is framed as an essential step towards maintaining American safety.

Suspension of Afghan Immigration Requests

Following the announcement, all immigration requests concerning Afghan nationals have been suspended. This affects not only Afghans applying for green cards but also those seeking work permits or family reunification.

Additionally, the State Department's announcement of halting visa issuance for Afghans further compounds the limitations on this demographic, closing a vital avenue for many seeking refuge or opportunity in the U.S.

Review of Refugee Admissions

The administration is also undertaking a significant review of nearly 200,000 refugees who entered the U.S. under the Biden administration. This review targets individuals who have undergone rigorous vetting but now face additional scrutiny amidst escalating tensions and security concerns.

As the situation develops, many await clarity on how these changes will unfold for thousands of individuals who have been processing their immigration status. "