Washington, DC — November 28, 2025 (Agencies) — The United States has announced an immediate suspension of visa issuance for all Afghan passport holders and a halt to asylum application decisions, following a deadly attack on two National Guard members near the White House.
The State Department said the measures were taken to protect public safety as President Donald Trump’s administration intensifies its immigration crackdown. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the move in a post on X, stating: “The State Department has paused visa issuance for ALL individuals traveling on Afghan passports.”
The decision comes after authorities identified Rahmanaullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, as the prime suspect in Wednesday’s shooting. Lakanwal allegedly ambushed West Virginia National Guard members Sarah Beckstrom (20) and Andrew Wolfe (24) while they were on patrol. Beckstrom later died of her injuries, while Wolfe remains in critical condition.
Officials revealed that Lakanwal had previously worked with the CIA in Afghanistan before emigrating to the US following the 2021 withdrawal of Western forces. The incident has reignited debate over immigration and national security, with administration officials stressing that safeguarding American lives remains the government’s highest priority.
The suspension of visas and asylum decisions is expected to have wide-reaching implications for Afghan nationals seeking entry or refuge in the United States, as the administration signals a tougher stance on immigration in the wake of the attack.