The Trump administration has halted all asylum decisions following the shooting of two National Guard soldiers in Washington DC, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) director has said.
Joseph Edlow stated that the pause would remain in effect 'until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible.'
This suspension was announced shortly after US President Donald Trump promised to permanently pause migration from all 'third world countries.'
The decision came in response to a shooting on Wednesday that left one soldier dead and another critically injured, allegedly carried out by an Afghan national.
The halt specifically targets Afghans seeking asylum, though it broadly encompasses all nationalities. While USCIS officials are still allowed to work on asylum applications, no approvals, denials, or closures of claims will occur during this period.
Trump has added further complexity to immigration policies; he has sought to enact mass deportations, reduce refugee admissions, and challenge automatic citizenship rights for US-born individuals. His recent announcements have drawn criticism and raised concerns about legal challenges due to their expansive reach and potential impact on asylum seekers.
The shooting suspect, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered the US in 2021 under a program designed for Afghans who worked with US forces in Afghanistan. His background has been under scrutiny, especially regarding the mental health issues he reportedly faced after his military service.
President Trump's fixation on 'third world countries' brings to light a contentious narrative that refugees are to blame for societal issues in America. This perspective has been challenged by advocates who argue that migration and mental health issues are separate and should not be conflated.
The UN has called on the US to ensure that its treatment of asylum seekers complies with international agreements, indicating a growing tension regarding America's immigration policies.
