US Halts All Asylum Processing for Foreign Nationals After DC Shooting

The United States has suspended all asylum-related application decisions, affecting migrants from every country, the Trump administration announced Friday (28 November).

The halt follows Wednesday's shooting in Washington DC where an Afghan migrant allegedly killed one National Guard soldier and critically injured another.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph Edlow posted on X: “All asylum decisions are halted until every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible. The safety of the American people always comes first.”

CBS News reported that USCIS officials have been instructed not to approve, deny or close any asylum applications received by the agency, regardless of nationality. Officers can continue reviewing cases but must stop at the decision stage.

The directive applies globally, though President Trump has vowed a "permanent pause" on migration from "third world countries".

Background: Trump's Immigration Crackdown

Since his second inauguration, Trump has escalated restrictions, including reviewing green cards issued to banned-country nationals, pausing Afghan immigration requests, and scrutinising Biden-era asylum grants.

The DC shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal (29, Afghan), arrived in 2021 and was granted asylum in April 2025 under Trump. He had worked with CIA-backed military units in Afghanistan.

Trump called the attack the "greatest national security threat" and ordered a full review of resettlement policies.

International Backlash

The UN has condemned the move, urging adherence to asylum treaties. Rights groups like Amnesty International warn it endangers vulnerable lives.

The suspension is indefinite and likely faces legal challenges. In the past, similar Trump orders were struck down by courts.