US Suspends Afghan Immigration Processing After Washington Shooting

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services has temporarily halted the processing of immigration applications from Afghanistan following a violent incident in Washington, where two National Guard members were shot and severely wounded. The agency said the suspension will remain in place while officials conduct a comprehensive reassessment of existing security and vetting procedures.

According to officials, the suspect in Wednesday’s attack entered the United States from Afghanistan in September 2021. Authorities disclosed that the investigation is still in its early stages, but preliminary findings indicate that the individual’s immigration history and background checks have become central to ongoing national security discussions.

The shooting, which occurred in downtown Washington, left the two service members in critical condition and triggered an immediate response from federal security agencies. A witness statement reported by local emergency responders described the scene as “chaotic,” noting that the assailant fled the area before being apprehended.

US President Donald Trump condemned the incident, describing it as an “act of terror.” According to the President’s remarks during a briefing at the White House, his administration will implement stronger measures aimed at identifying and removing individuals “from any country who are not supposed to be here.” He emphasized that national security agencies have been directed to tighten review procedures, particularly for applicants from regions considered high risk.

The President’s comments reflect growing concerns within the administration regarding potential security lapses in past immigration screenings. A senior security official stated, according to internal assessments shared with the media, that the government is re-evaluating past entry approvals granted during the 2021 evacuation period.

Community leaders in Washington have expressed concern about the incident and its potential impact on Afghan refugees currently living in the United States. Advocacy groups were quick to urge government agencies to avoid broad generalizations that could unfairly affect thousands of law-abiding Afghan families who entered the country through humanitarian programs.

As the investigation continues, federal authorities maintain that the temporary suspension will not affect individuals already granted immigration status. However, further decisions will depend on the findings of the ongoing security review, according to officials familiar with the process.