In a significant policy shift, the United States has immediately suspended all immigration applications from Afghan nationals following a violent shooting incident that left two National Guard members critically wounded. The dramatic move comes as authorities reassess security protocols for processing immigration requests.
Immediate Suspension Announced
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services made the announcement on Thursday, November 27, 2025, through an official post on social media platform X. The agency declared that effective immediately, processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals is stopped indefinitely.
The decision follows a shooting incident in Washington DC that resulted in two members of the National Guard sustaining critical injuries. While specific details about the connection between the shooting and the immigration suspension remain under investigation, the timing suggests direct correlation between the security incident and the policy change.
Security Review Underway
According to the USCIS statement, the suspension will remain in effect pending further review of security and vetting protocols. The agency emphasized that the protection and safety of our homeland and of the American people remains our singular focus and mission.
The indefinite nature of the suspension indicates that US authorities are conducting a comprehensive assessment of existing security measures for Afghan nationals seeking immigration benefits. This includes various visa categories and potentially refugee applications that were previously being processed.
Impact on Afghan Applicants
The sudden policy change affects numerous Afghan nationals at different stages of the immigration process. Key implications include:
- All pending applications from Afghan nationals are now on hold
- No new applications will be processed during the suspension period
- Applicants already in the system face uncertain timelines
- Future application procedures may involve enhanced security checks
The move represents one of the most significant immigration policy changes affecting Afghan nationals since the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. It comes amid ongoing security concerns and reflects the administration's heightened focus on domestic safety following the violent incident involving military personnel.
As the situation develops, affected individuals and immigration advocates await further details about the scope of the security review and potential timeline for resuming processing of Afghan immigration requests.
