US Halts Visas for Afghan Passport Holders After White House Shooting

The United States government has announced a suspension of visa issuance for individuals travelling on Afghan passports. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that protecting American citizens is the government's foremost priority. This decision follows a shooting incident near the White House where the suspect was identified as an Afghan national.

In a post on social media platform X, Marco Rubio emphasised that the Trump administration prioritises national security, stating, "President Trump’s State Department has paused visa issuance for ALL individuals traveling on Afghan passports. The United States has no higher priority than protecting our nation and our people."

The US Department of State confirmed the suspension, declaring that it had "immediately paused visa issuance for individuals traveling on Afghan passports" to ensure the safety of the country and its citizens. As per their statement, the decision is part of broader measures aimed at enhancing national security.

This announcement comes in the wake of a shooting incident that left two members of the West Virginia National Guard critically injured. The attack occurred just blocks from the White House, prompting heightened security concerns. According to reports from CBS News, the suspect, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered the United States in 2021. Law enforcement agencies are still investigating his background, and the motive for the shooting remains unclear.

In response to the incident, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced an indefinite halt to all immigration requests involving Afghan nationals. The agency stated, "Effective immediately, processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals is stopped indefinitely pending further review of security and vetting protocols." The USCIS reiterated that the protection of the homeland and the American public is their primary mission.

The shooting has raised concerns about security measures regarding Afghan nationals in the United States, particularly in light of the ongoing challenges related to the integration of refugees following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021. The incident has been described by Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser as a targeted act of violence.

President Donald Trump commented on the situation, revealing that one of the injured soldiers, Sarah Beckstrom, had succumbed to her injuries. The second soldier remains in critical condition, fighting for their life, according to the President's remarks.

This series of events underscores the complex dynamics surrounding national security and immigration policy in the United States, particularly as the nation continues to address the implications of its military withdrawal from Afghanistan and the subsequent influx of Afghan nationals seeking refuge.

The government’s immediate response reflects a broader concern regarding public safety and the vetting of individuals arriving in the United States from conflict-affected regions. As investigations unfold, officials are expected to reassess the security protocols governing visa issuance and immigration processing for Afghan nationals.