**Excerpt:**
In response to the recent shooting of National Guard soldiers in Washington, D.C., U.S. officials have ordered a halt to all asylum decisions.
**Key Points:**
– U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) instructed to pause all asylum adjudications.
– The pause follows a shooting incident involving an Afghan national who had been granted asylum.
– Asylum officers are to refrain from making any decisions on current applications.
– The Trump administration plans a review of past asylum approvals.
– Safety concerns for American citizens have been cited as the primary reason for the pause.
Overview of the Situation
On November 29, 2025, the Trump administration directed U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers to pause all asylum decisions following the shooting of two National Guard soldiers in Washington, D.C. This internal directive, obtained by CBS News, highlights the administration’s intent to tighten immigration policies in light of the incident.
Details of the Incident
The shooting, which left one soldier dead, was allegedly carried out by Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the U.S. in 2021 and was granted asylum earlier this year. The administration’s directive is part of a broader effort to strengthen immigration protocols after this tragic event.
Implications of the Pause
Asylum officers at USCIS have been instructed to refrain from approving, denying, or closing any asylum applications during this indefinite pause. This directive affects all nationalities, including Afghan applicants who arrived under the “Operation Allies Welcome” program initiated by the Biden administration.
Specific Guidance for Asylum Officers
Internal communications from USCIS specify that no decision information should be entered for affirmative asylum cases. While interviews and case reviews can continue, decisions must be halted at the point of entry until further notice.
Official Responses
In a statement to CBS News, USCIS Director Joseph Edlow confirmed the pause, emphasizing the need for thorough vetting to ensure public safety. He stated, “The safety of the American people always comes first.”
Broader Immigration Measures
Following the shooting, the Trump administration announced a series of immigration measures, including an indefinite pause on processing all legal immigration applications from Afghanistan. The administration is also undertaking a comprehensive review of green card applications from nationals of several countries deemed high-risk.
Future Actions
President Trump has indicated plans to further restrict immigration from “Third World Countries” and has vowed to revoke citizenship from individuals considered to threaten domestic peace. However, specific actions to implement these policies have not yet been detailed by the White House.
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