The US government has announced an immediate halt on all asylum decisions amid a surge in violence against National Guardsmen in Washington D.C., following a shooting that left one guard dead and another critically injured.
In a statement, Joseph Edlow, Director of US Citizenship and Immigration Services, said that the pause would allow for "every alien" to be vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible. This move comes as President Donald Trump vowed to crack down on immigration, saying the attack highlights the country's biggest national security threat.
Trump has been vocal about his anti-immigration stance in recent days, including a promise to terminate millions of Biden-era asylum admissions and deport foreign nationals deemed a public charge or security risk.
According to officials, the suspect in the shooting, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, arrived in the US in 2021 under the Biden administration's asylum program. Lakanwal was granted asylum in April this year after being involved with the CIA and Joint Special Operations Command in Afghanistan.
The pause on asylum decisions is part of a broader crackdown announced by Trump, who has vowed to strengthen national security by removing those deemed "not a net asset" to the country or unable to love America. The move is likely to face opposition from Democrats and immigration advocates, who argue that it will unfairly target innocent families and turn away millions seeking safety.
The US government's actions come as tensions between Trump and Democrats over immigration continue to escalate. Last summer, Trump ordered National Guard troops to several Democrat-led cities, sparking widespread protests and controversy.
In a statement, Joseph Edlow, Director of US Citizenship and Immigration Services, said that the pause would allow for "every alien" to be vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible. This move comes as President Donald Trump vowed to crack down on immigration, saying the attack highlights the country's biggest national security threat.
Trump has been vocal about his anti-immigration stance in recent days, including a promise to terminate millions of Biden-era asylum admissions and deport foreign nationals deemed a public charge or security risk.
According to officials, the suspect in the shooting, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, arrived in the US in 2021 under the Biden administration's asylum program. Lakanwal was granted asylum in April this year after being involved with the CIA and Joint Special Operations Command in Afghanistan.
The pause on asylum decisions is part of a broader crackdown announced by Trump, who has vowed to strengthen national security by removing those deemed "not a net asset" to the country or unable to love America. The move is likely to face opposition from Democrats and immigration advocates, who argue that it will unfairly target innocent families and turn away millions seeking safety.
The US government's actions come as tensions between Trump and Democrats over immigration continue to escalate. Last summer, Trump ordered National Guard troops to several Democrat-led cities, sparking widespread protests and controversy.
this is so crazy 
asylum seekers are just trying to escape danger and they're being blocked from safety 
the US gov is always so strict about who gets in but what about those who need help 
Trump's words are super hurtful 
not just Americans, ppl from all over the world should be treated with dignity 
this pause on asylum decisions will only lead to more suffering