Trump Halts Visas and Asylum Processing Following DC Shooting and “Third World” Remarks

The Trump administration has suspended asylum processing and visa issuances for Afghan passport holders. This decisive action follows a fatal shooting near the White House. One National Guard member was killed and another was critically injured in the attack.Officials linked the policy shift directly to the incident. The move signals a major tightening of U.S. immigration rules.

Administration Links Attack to Immigration Systems

President Donald Trump described the shooting as a terrorist attack. He attributed the violence to the previous administration’s immigration policies. According to AP, the suspected gunman was an Afghan national who had been granted asylum.Trump announced a permanent pause on migration from what he termed “Third World” countries. He stated that only “reverse migration” could solve the problem. The term “Third World” is widely considered outdated and offensive.

How the New Visa and Asylum Rules Work

The head of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Joseph Edlow, confirmed the asylum halt. He said all asylum rulings are paused until vetting can be maximized. The goal is to ensure national security.Separately, the State Department suspended visa issuance for all individuals using Afghan passports. This creates a full travel barrier for Afghan citizens. The measures represent some of the toughest immigration actions of Trump’s second term.

Suspect’s Background and Path to the US

The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is a 29-year-old Afghan national. He previously worked with the CIA during the Afghanistan War. He entered the U.S. in 2021 through a Biden-era resettlement program.His asylum claim was later approved under the current Trump administration. This detail was confirmed by an organization assisting evacuated Afghans. The administration is now reviewing the status of other migrants already in the country.

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The immediate suspension of asylum and visas marks a significant hardening of U.S. immigration policy. This Trump visa asylum policy is a direct response to a national security crisis. Its long-term impact on global travel and international relations remains to be seen.

Thought you’d like to know-

What specific visas were suspended by the Trump administration?

The State Department suspended visa issuance for all individuals traveling on Afghan passports. This is a broad suspension affecting all visa categories for Afghan citizens.

How long will the asylum processing halt last?

U.S. officials have not provided a specific end date. The halt will continue until enhanced vetting and screening procedures are fully implemented across the system.

What was Operation Allies Welcome?

It was a program established to resettle Afghans following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The suspect entered the United States through this initiative during the Biden administration.

What charges does the shooting suspect face?

Rahmanullah Lakanwal faces charges including first-degree murder. He has also been charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed.

Why is the term “Third World” considered controversial?

It is an outdated Cold War-era term often used pejoratively. It is now widely seen as offensive when describing nations in Asia, Africa, and other regions.