The United States has suspended all immigration applications from Afghan nationals after a shooting incident near the White House left two National Guard soldiers critically wounded. President Donald Trump labelled the event an act of terror and ordered a review of Afghan refugees admitted under the previous administration.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced the decision on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at 4:35 PM. The agency halted processing effective immediately. The move affects thousands of pending Afghan visa applications and Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applications.
The suspension follows an attack near White House on Wednesday evening. An Afghan national who entered the US in 2021 allegedly shot the soldiers. Authorities arrested the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakamal, at the scene.
USCIS cited national security concerns in its statement. “The protection and safety of our homeland and of the American people remains our singular focus and mission,” the agency posted on X.
President Trump addressed the nation from Palm Beach, Florida. He described the incident as “an act of terror” and called for a Trump Afghan refugee review of all arrivals from the Biden era. “We must re-examine every Afghan immigrant who entered when Joe Biden was President,” Trump said in a video message.
The attack near White House occurred around 7:00 PM on November 26, 2025. Two National Guard soldiers stood guard outside a perimeter checkpoint. The suspect approached on foot and opened fire with a semi-automatic rifle. Both victims suffered multiple gunshot wounds. They underwent emergency surgery at George Washington University Hospital. As of Thursday afternoon, both remained in critical condition.
Law enforcement sources identified the shooter as Rahmanullah Lakamal, aged 32. He arrived in the US in August 2021 via a humanitarian parole programme. Lakamal later applied for asylum, which was granted in 2024. His green card application stayed pending.
The Department of Homeland Security released a statement on the suspect’s background. It confirmed Lakamal’s entry under Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden-era initiative. DHS noted no prior criminal record but emphasised ongoing vetting reviews.
This National Guard shooting’s immigration impact extends beyond the immediate victims. It prompted the swift suspension of Afghan visas in the US. USCIS has paused all forms, including those for family reunification, employment-based visas, and refugee claims.
Incident Details and Response
The attack near White House unfolded rapidly. Witnesses reported hearing 10 to 15 shots. Secret Service agents returned fire, striking the suspect in the leg. He dropped his weapon and surrendered. Police recovered a 9mm Glock pistol and extra magazines from the scene.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation took the lead on the probe. Agents searched Lakamal’s residence in Fairfax, Virginia. They found extremist materials and a manifesto citing grievances against US foreign policy in Afghanistan.
President Trump convened an emergency meeting of the cabinet. He directed Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to implement the halt. Noem issued a press release confirming the order. “This pause allows for enhanced vetting to prevent future threats,” she stated.
The White House coordinated with Congress. The Senate Majority Leader outlined plans for hearings on immigration security. The House Speaker called the incident a “wake-up call” for border policies.
Local authorities bolstered security around federal buildings. National Guard deployments increased in Washington, DC. Mayor Muriel Bowser activated additional police units.
Immigration Halt Explained
The US halts Afghan immigration, marking a sharp policy shift. USCIS suspended processing for all categories. This includes over 10,000 pending Special Immigrant Visa applications from Afghan allies. The programme, expanded in 2024, allowed up to 38,500 principal applicants.
Data from the Office of Homeland Security Statistics shows significant Afghan inflows. In fiscal year 2024, 25,000 Afghans gained refugee status. Another 8,000 individuals received Temporary Protected Status, although it was terminated in July 2025. Parole admissions totalled 76,000 since 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome.
The Trump Afghan refugee review targets Biden-era entries. Trump argued vetting lapsed during the 2021 withdrawal. “Thousands poured in without proper checks,” he claimed. Administration officials plan to conduct audits of all arrivals from 2021 to 2024.
This Afghan visa suspension in the US affects SIV holders the most. Many served as interpreters for US forces. They face Taliban threats back home. Suspension delays green cards and work authorisations.
USCIS directed applicants to hold submissions. The agency promised updates via its website. Processing resumes only after protocol reviews conclude.
National Guard Shooting Immigration Impact
The National Guard shooting immigration impact ripples through policy debates. Critics link the incident to lax screening. Supporters of Afghan programmes decry the broad halt as overreach.
Immigration advocates estimate 50,000 Afghans are in limbo. Families separated by the suspension face uncertainty. One SIV applicant in Kabul told reporters, “This ends our hope.”
In fiscal year 2025, USCIS processed 15,000 Afghan adjustments before the pause. Backlogs now grow. The halt aligns with a June 2025 presidential proclamation suspending Afghan entries for security reasons.
DHS data indicates low overstay rates for Afghans. Business visas saw 9.7% overstays in 2023. Student visas hit 29.3%. Yet, officials prioritise zero-risk approaches post-incident.
Lawmakers introduced bills for expedited reviews. The Afghan Allies Protection Act seeks ring-fenced funding for vetting. It awaits committee votes.
Why This Matters in South Asia
The US’s decision to halt Afghan immigration reverberates across South Asia. Pakistan hosts 1.3 million registered Afghan refugees. Islamabad worries about return pressures. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urged Washington to consult.
In India, officials monitor spillover effects. New Delhi deported 500 Afghans in 2024 amid security fears. The suspension eases bilateral tensions but strains humanitarian ties.
Afghanistan’s Taliban regime welcomed the move. Spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid called it “justified caution.” Regional experts predict an increase in border crossings into Pakistan and Iran.
South Asian nations rely on the US refugee frameworks. The pause disrupts family reunifications for diaspora communities. In the UK, Afghan expats voice concerns over similar policies.
Economic fallout looms. Remittances from US-based Afghans total USD 200 million annually. Suspension threatens livelihoods in Kabul and Peshawar.
For Pakistan, the National Guard shooting immigration impact heightens vigilance. Islamabad has enhanced checks at the Torkham border. Troops repelled 200 crossing attempts last week.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a travel advisory. It warns citizens in Afghanistan to register with embassies. The decision highlights the linkages between US-South Asia migration.
Background
Afghan migration to the US surged post-2021 Taliban takeover. Operation Allies Welcome paroled 76,000 into the country. Special Immigrant Visas prioritised US collaborators.
Biden extended Temporary Protected Status until May 2025. Trump reversed it in July, citing improved conditions. A June proclamation banned most travel to Afghanistan.
Fiscal year 2024 saw 25,000 refugee admissions. SIV caps rose to 38,500 principals. Yet, processing delays persisted amid backlogs.
The attack near White House revives 2021 withdrawal debates. Trump blamed Biden’s haste. It evacuated 123,000 but left allies behind.
What’s Next
USCIS plans to overhaul its vetting process by December 2025. President Trump eyes executive orders for permanent restrictions. Congress debates funding for Afghan reviews.
International partners seek exemptions for verified allies. UN High Commissioner for Refugees calls for humanitarian corridors.
The Afghan visa suspension could be lifted in weeks. Officials stress data-driven resumption. Families await clarity amid uncertainty.
The US halts Afghan immigration policy, testing bilateral relations. South Asian stakeholders advocate for a balanced approach to security and compassion.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, November 27th, 2025
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