US immigration restrictions increase following shooting of National Guard members

WASHINGTON In response to last weeks attack on two National Guard members in the capital by an Afghan national, the Trump administration has introduced a series of policies aimed at tightening immigration rules for certain foreign nationals.

The administration announced a pause on asylum decisions, a reexamination of green card applications from specific countries of concern, and a suspension of visas for Afghans who assisted U.S. forces. Prior to the shooting, a memo obtained by The Associated Press revealed plans to review all refugee cases admitted during the Biden administration.

Refugee advocates and Afghan support groups have sharply criticized these measures, calling them a form of collective punishment and a waste of resources, given that many cases have already been processed. The administration, however, maintains that these steps are necessary to protect national security.

Key Policy Changes Announced

Joseph Edlow, director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), stated on X that asylum decisions would be paused until every applicant is thoroughly vetted and screened. No formal guidance has been issued, leaving many details unclear. Asylum-seekers must demonstrate a risk of persecution due to race, nationality, or other factors. Approved applicants may remain in the U.S., eventually applying for green cards and citizenship.

The Afghan suspect in the National Guard attack had been granted asylum earlier this year, highlighting the administration's emphasis on stricter vetting. Although asylum rights had already been restricted under a January executive order limiting entries from the southern border, Edlows recent statement indicates increased scrutiny on existing cases.

Currently, USCIS has 1.4 million pending asylum applications, a significant rise from 241,280 in 2022. Additionally, about 2.4 million asylum cases await review in immigration courts managed by the Justice Department.

Green Card and Immigration Scrutiny

On November 27, Edlow announced a comprehensive review of all green card applications from countries of concern. The agency issued guidance targeting applicants from 19 high-risk nations, including Afghanistan, potentially complicating immigration processes. Previously, travel to the U.S. had already been restricted for citizens of 12 countries, with additional limits for seven more.

USCIS also stated on November 26 that it would pause all immigration requests involving Afghan nationals, affecting green card, work permit, and family reunification applications. Furthermore, the State Department temporarily suspended visas for Afghan passport holders, closing the last remaining pathway for Afghans under the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program. Advocacy group #AfghanEvac reported that approximately 180,000 Afghans were in the process of applying for SIVs.

Review of Refugees from the Biden Era

Even before the attack, the administration was planning a review of nearly 200,000 refugees admitted under the Biden administration through the U.S. Refugee Assistance Program, which allows individuals fleeing persecution to enter the U.S. Refugees apply from outside the country, unlike asylum-seekers who apply after arrival. Advocates emphasize that these individuals have already undergone extensive vetting.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem hinted at additional restrictions, including a potential full travel ban on nations she described as sending undesirable individuals to the U.S., though she did not specify countries or timelines. The Department of Homeland Security indicated that an official list would be announced soon.

Author: Sophia Brooks