US pauses visas for all Afghan passport holders, halts asylum requests
NegativeWorld Affairs
- The U.S. government has paused visa issuance and halted asylum requests for all Afghan passport holders following a shooting incident in Washington, D.C., where two National Guard members were critically injured. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, reportedly entered the U.S. in September 2021 and has been taken into custody.
- This decision reflects heightened security concerns and scrutiny regarding Afghan nationals in the U.S., particularly in light of the recent violent incident that has raised alarms about potential threats from individuals who were previously granted asylum or refugee status.
- The pause on immigration requests underscores a broader trend of increasing caution towards Afghan evacuees, as the U.S. grapples with the implications of vetting processes and the safety of its citizens. This incident may further complicate the already tense discourse surrounding immigration policies and national security, particularly for those from countries deemed 'of concern.'
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System
