The United States government has immediately suspended the processing and issuance of visas for all holders of Afghan passports, effective Friday, November 29, following a deadly incident near the White House. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the measure, stating the action was implemented two days after an Afghan national allegedly shot and killed a National Guard soldier and seriously wounded another in Washington, D.C. The State Department confirmed the directive, emphasizing that national security and the protection of U.S. citizens are the administration’s paramount concerns.
The decision was relayed by Secretary Rubio via the platform X, clarifying that the travel restriction affects all individuals presenting an Afghan passport, regardless of their current status or destination. Although the move constitutes a broad suspension, it directly follows the high-profile shooting incident.
Background of the Incident
The suspect in custody, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered the U.S. in 2021 as part of Operation Allies Welcome, a program initiated under the preceding administration to facilitate the relocation of Afghans following the withdrawal of U.S. troops. According to media reports, Lakanwal subsequently applied for and was granted asylum earlier this year.
Adding complexity to the case, reports indicate that Lakanwal had successfully undergone multiple rigorous security screenings. These background checks occurred prior to his reported work with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in Afghanistan and again before his formal entry into the United States. Despite these prior clearances, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is now formally investigating the shooting as a terrorist incident, mobilizing extensive resources to determine the motive and context of the attack.
Implications and Response
The rapid suspension of visa processing signals an immediate tightening of immigration procedures from Afghanistan, highlighting the administration’s focus on border and internal security protocols. For thousands of Afghans awaiting processing—including those pursuing family reunification, educational opportunities, or Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs)—the sudden halt creates significant uncertainty and delays.
Critics of the policy argue that a comprehensive suspension unfairly penalizes all Afghan travelers, many of whom are seeking refuge or contributing positively to the U.S. While the FBI investigation is ongoing, the immediate policy shift suggests that officials are reviewing the integrity of current security and vetting processes, particularly for individuals who entered the country through humanitarian programs.
The administration has reiterated that safeguarding the security of the nation drove the policy shift. As the FBI continues its investigation into the suspected act of terrorism, the broader implications of the visa suspension—both diplomatically and for affected communities—are expected to be substantial. The State Department has not yet provided a timeframe for when normal visa processing for Afghan passport holders might resume.
Protecting the Homeland: Key Policy Takeaways
- Immediate Suspension: The government indefinitely halted visa processing for individuals traveling on Afghan passports.
- Trigger Event: The policy change follows a fatal shooting allegedly committed by an asylum recipient who entered the U.S. in 2021.
- Law Enforcement Status: The FBI is officially treating the attack as a terrorist incident.
- Focus: The stated priority is safeguarding national security against potential threats.