US Suspends Visa Issuance for Afghan Passport Holders After White House Shooting
The US State Department announced on Friday that it has immediately suspended the processing and issuance of visas for all applicants holding Afghan passports.
In an official statement published on the social media platform X, the department stated that the decision aims to ensure national security and protect the American people. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed and emphasized the announcement, stating that safeguarding the American nation remains the country’s top priority.
This move follows a shooting incident involving an Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who was relocated to the United States in 2021 during the evacuation from Afghanistan. Last Wednesday, he allegedly opened fire near the White House, targeting two members of the US National Guard.
US President Donald Trump and several other high-ranking officials have described the attack as a “terrorist act.” In the aftermath, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced a suspension of all immigration-related processes involving Afghan nationals.
However, the US government’s decision to halt all visa and immigration procedures for Afghan citizens has sparked international backlash. Several human rights organizations and the United Nations have warned that an entire migrant community should not be penalized for the actions of one individual.
The move also highlights the broader challenges faced by the Afghan diaspora, particularly since the fall of the previous government in Kabul and the return to power of the Taliban. In this context, rights groups stress the need for distinguishing between at-risk refugees and potential threats.
