The US has immediately paused visa issuance for individuals travelling on Afghan passports after a National Guard was killed and another injured in a shooting incident in Washington involving an Afghan citizen.
The Department of State announced on X, saying it has “IMMEDIATELY paused visa issuance for individuals traveling on Afghan passports”.
“The Department is taking all necessary steps to protect U.S. national security and public safety,” read the official statement.
The Department of State has IMMEDIATELY paused visa issuance for individuals traveling on Afghan passports.
The Department is taking all necessary steps to protect U.S. national security and public safety.
— Department of State (@StateDept) November 28, 2025
Earlier, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) stated that all immigration applications from Afghan citizens have been paused indefinitely.
The immigration agency said that security and vetting protocols for Afghan applicants will undergo further review before processing resumes.
It may be mentioned here that he shooting occurred near the White House, leaving both National Guard personnel in critical condition.
The US authorities confirmed that a suspect has been arrested and identified as 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal.
US president Donald Trump has condemned the incident as an act of terrorism, announcing that all foreigners who entered the United States during President Joe Biden’s tenure will undergo renewed vetting.
In a social media statement, Trump labelled the attacker a “beast,” warning that anyone who carries out an assault on the National Guard “will pay a severe price.”
The injured personnel belonged to the state of West Virginia. The West Virginia governor said he has been in constant contact with federal authorities, adding that investigations are underway.
