Trump has ordered a sweeping pause on all asylum decisions after a tragic shooting involving two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., earlier this week.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Joseph Edlow said the halt will remain “until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible.” The move immediately raised concerns among immigrant-rights groups. However, the administration said the pause is necessary for national security.

Additionally, the State Department announced a sudden stop to issuing visas for anyone traveling on Afghan passports. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on X that the United States “has no higher priority than protecting our nation and our people.”

Earlier this year, Trump issued a proclamation blocking travel from 12 countries, mostly in Africa and the Middle East. He also tightened restrictions on several others. Now, the latest pause expands those efforts even further.

Meanwhile, questions continue to grow around the suspect in Wednesday’s shooting. Authorities identified the man as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan who arrived in the United States in 2021. Although he entered during the Biden administration, he received asylum in April 2025 under Trump. One Guard member died in the attack, and another remains in critical condition.

Furthermore, investigators say Lakanwal once worked with Afghanistan’s Zero Unit, a force that cooperated with the CIA and U.S. special operations teams. Sources described him as a trusted member of that group. Even so, officials are now examining his full background.

Trump responded to the shooting immediately. He called it proof of “the greatest national security threat facing our nation.” He then vowed to enforce strict new immigration rules. In his latest statement, he promised to reverse millions of what he called “Biden illegal admissions,” end federal benefits for noncitizens, and deport individuals he considers security risks.

Throughout the summer, Trump deployed National Guard troops to Washington. He also sent them to several Democrat-led cities, including Chicago and Portland. Now, with this new pause on asylum and visas, his immigration crackdown has entered another phase.

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