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US Suspends Afghan Immigration After Attack on National Guardsmen

The United States has suspended all immigration requests from Afghan nationals following an attack on National Guard members in Washington. President Trump condemned the incident as an act of terror and blamed the previous administration for allowing the suspect into the country. The suspension comes as authorities review security and vetting protocols for Afghan immigrants. Additional troops have been deployed to bolster security in the nation's capital.

Key Points: US Halts Afghan Immigration After Washington Guard Attack

  • USCIS announces immediate suspension of all Afghan immigration applications
  • President Trump blames Biden administration for attacker's refugee status
  • Additional 500 troops deployed to enhance Washington security measures
  • FBI Director confirms federal prosecution for assault on law enforcement
  • Trump promises review of every Afghan immigrant under Biden administration
2 min read

US suspends Afghan immigration requests after attack on National Guardsmen in Washington

USCIS suspends all Afghan immigration requests indefinitely following attack on National Guard members near White House. President Trump calls it "act of terror."

"This heinous assault was an act of evil and an act of hatred, and an act of terror. - Donald Trump"

Washington, Nov 27

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on Thursday announced an immediate suspension of all immigration requests from Afghan nationals, just hours after a targeted attack, allegedly by an individual from Kabul, on National Guard members in Washington, close to the White House.

In a post on X, the agency stated, "Effective immediately, processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals is stopped indefinitely pending further review of security and vetting protocols."

"The protections and safety of our homeland and of the American people remains our singular focus and mission," the statement further read.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump called the attack an "act of terror".

"This heinous assault was an act of evil and an act of hatred, and an act of terror. It was a crime against our entire nation. It was a crime against humanity," Trump said while addressing the nation on Wednesday evening (local time).

He added that the suspect in custody is a "foreigner who entered our country from Afghanistan, a hellhole on earth", and blamed the previous Biden administration for allowing the attacker to enter the country under refugee status.

Trump also promised to "re-examine every single alien" from Afghanistan who entered the US under the Biden administration.

"We must now re-examine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden, and we must take all necessary measures to ensure the removal of any alien from any country who does not belong here, or add benefit to our country if they can't love our country, we don't want them," he added.

He also announced deployment of an additional 500 troops to "help protect our capital city."

The shooting happened less than 500 metres away from the White House. Trump was not in the capital and is visiting Florida for the Thanksgiving holiday.

While addressing the media, FBI Director Kash Patel said that the case will be prosecuted at the federal level since "this is an assault on federal law enforcement officers."

Multiple states have sent Guard personnel to Washington in recent months as part of President Trump's public-safety crackdown. The mission has since expanded to several other major US cities.

There are approximately 2,400 National Guard troops currently deployed in Washington, which includes around 958 from the DC National Guard and about 1,300 from eight other states.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While security is important, punishing an entire nation for one person's actions seems extreme. Many Afghan refugees are genuine victims of terrorism themselves. 🤔
A
Arjun K
Trump's reaction shows why strong leadership matters. When our soldiers are attacked, decisive action is needed. Every country has the right to protect its citizens first.
S
Sarah B
As someone who works with refugees, this blanket suspension breaks my heart. The vast majority of Afghan immigrants are peaceful people fleeing violence. This is collective punishment. 😔
V
Vikram M
Remember how India handled security after 26/11? Sometimes tough measures are necessary. National security should always come first, no ifs and buts.
M
Michael C
The timing is suspicious - right before Thanksgiving and Trump in Florida. Feels like political theater. They should focus on improving vetting rather than blanket bans.

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