US Pauses All Asylum Decisions After DC National Guard Shooting
A deadly DC shooting prompts the US to pause asylum decisions nationwide as officials vow tougher vetting and a broad migration pause amid international scrutiny.
In the wake of a fatal shooting involving National Guard members in Washington, the United States halted all asylum decisions nationwide. The move, described by officials as a necessary step to strengthen vetting, comes as the administration faces growing questions about migration policy during a time of national security concerns.
What triggered the pause
The decision followed Wednesday’s attack that killed one Guard member and left another seriously injured. Officials have identified an Afghan national as the shooter and said the pause would allow authorities to thoroughly screen every applicant before any decision is made.
Policy context and what it could mean
President Donald Trump publicly talked about a broader halt on entry from many developing countries, describing it as a temporary measure to help the US restore its systems. He did not specify which nations might be affected, which has sparked legal debate and drew concerns from United Nations agencies about whether the move complies with international asylum obligations.
USCIS directive and implications
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a part of the Department of Homeland Security, was instructed to pause decisions on asylum applications. Staff can continue working on cases and reviewing information up to the point a decision is made, but no approvals or denials will be issued during the pause. Details on how long the pause will last were not fully disclosed.
Background on the suspect
Officials identified the shooter as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who arrived in the United States in 2021 under a program that offered protections to Afghans who worked with U.S. forces. He reportedly was connected to an Afghan unit previously respected by U.S. intelligence and defense partners. U.S. authorities had vetted him when he began working with the CIA-linked unit and again when he traveled to the United States, according to sources familiar with the case.
Legal and humanitarian considerations
Immigration advocates and international bodies have urged that policy changes adhere to legal and humanitarian commitments. Critics argue that singling out certain nationalities in policy rhetoric can complicate asylum access and may invite legal challenges.
Expert comment
Experts say rapid policy shifts during security incidents can open the door to legal challenges, and that asylum processes must continue to respect international obligations. They also note that thorough vetting and due process remain essential, even as border controls tighten.
What happens next
Officials are expected to review existing procedures and determine the next steps for visas and asylum procedures as investigations proceed. The situation remains fluid, and further actions may follow depending on court rulings and international scrutiny.
Bottom line
The administration’s response to the DC shooting includes a temporary halt on asylum decisions and a broader discussion about migration policy. While officials emphasize enhanced screening, observers warn that such measures must balance security with rights and international obligations.
Key takeaway: In moments of security tension, asylum and migration policies can shift quickly, but they must align with legal duties and humanitarian protections. Source: BBC News