The Trump administration has temporarily stopped all asylum decisions and frozen visa processing for people traveling on Afghan passports following a deadly shooting near the White House that left one National Guard member dead and another critically injured.

Officials say the move is part of a broader push to tighten legal immigration after the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was identified as a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the U.S. in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome — a program created to resettle Afghans who assisted American forces during the war.

A Case Triggering National Debate

Lakanwal, who once worked with a CIA-backed special unit in Afghanistan, was charged with first-degree murder and multiple counts of assault. Investigators are still searching for a motive.

The incident has reignited U.S. political tensions over immigration and vetting standards.
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow announced that all asylum decisions would be paused until “maximum-level screening” is guaranteed. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also confirmed a freeze on all U.S. visas issued to Afghan passport holders.

Critics argue the government is using an isolated crime to justify sweeping restrictions. Advocacy groups supporting Afghan allies say many who served alongside American forces are now being unfairly punished.

The Suspect’s Background

Before the shooting, Lakanwal lived with his wife and five children in Washington state and reportedly struggled to find stable employment. Neighbors described him as quiet and reserved. He briefly worked as an independent delivery contractor earlier this year.

Authorities have executed multiple search warrants as they continue piecing together his activities before the attack.

Fallen Soldier Honored

The shooting claimed the life of 20-year-old Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, a military police officer serving with the West Virginia National Guard during Trump’s D.C. crime-control mission. Officials praised her as a dedicated and respected service member who volunteered for the deployment.

Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, also from the West Virginia National Guard, remains in critical condition.