POLITICS

U.S. pauses visas, freezes asylum after DC shooting

PUBLISHED Nov 28, 2025, 10:41 PM ET

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U.S. pauses visas, freezes asylum after DC shooting

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 10

Center 90%

Right 10%

Sources: 10

Washington, United States officials paused visa issuance for Afghan passport holders and halted asylum decisions this week on Friday after a man from Afghanistan allegedly shot two National Guard members near the White House, killing one. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the Afghan visa pause on X, and USCIS director Joseph Edlow suspended asylum rulings pending enhanced vetting. Authorities identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, who entered under Operation Allies Welcome in 2021 and had been granted asylum. The FBI is investigating the incident as a potential act of terrorism. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

2021: Suspect entered United States under Operation Allies Welcome.
2024 (earlier): Suspect applied for and was granted asylum.
Late November 2024: Alleged shooting near the White House wounded two National Guard members; one died.
Nov. 28–29, 2024: Secretary of State announced Afghan visa pause; Department of State issued directive.
Nov. 29, 2024: USCIS halted asylum decisions nationwide; FBI opened a terrorism investigation.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 10
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 9

Who Benefited

The U.S. federal government and national security agencies consolidated control over immigration processes and justified tightened vetting measures as an immediate response to a security incident.

Who Impacted

Afghan nationals and other migrants face paused visa issuance and suspended asylum decisions, increasing uncertainty, delayed protections, and potential legal and humanitarian risks.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 10
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 9
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 90%, Right 10%

Who Benefited

The U.S. federal government and national security agencies consolidated control over immigration processes and justified tightened vetting measures as an immediate response to a security incident.

Who Impacted

Afghan nationals and other migrants face paused visa issuance and suspended asylum decisions, increasing uncertainty, delayed protections, and potential legal and humanitarian risks.