U.S. State Department Halts Visa Issuance for Afghan Passport Holders Amid National Security Concerns

Immediate Suspension Announced

The U.S. State Department announced on Friday, November 28, 2025, an immediate pause in visa issuance for all individuals traveling on Afghan passports. The department cited 'national security and public safety' as the primary reasons for this significant policy shift. This measure became effective on November 27, 2025, according to official statements.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the decision via a post on social media platform X, stating, 'President Trump's State Department has paused visa issuance for ALL individuals traveling on Afghan passports. The United States has no higher priority than protecting our nation and our people.' The State Department's own statement on X reiterated that it had 'IMMEDIATELY paused visa issuance for individuals traveling on Afghan passports' and was 'taking all necessary steps to protect U.S. national security and public safety.'

Catalyst: White House Area Shooting Incident

The decision by the State Department follows a deadly shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, near the White House in Washington, D.C. An Afghan national, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, is alleged to have opened fire on two National Guard members. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, tragically died from her injuries, while Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in critical condition.

Lakanwal reportedly entered the United States in 2021 under the 'Operation Allies Welcome' program and was granted asylum earlier this year during the Trump administration. He had previously worked with the CIA in Afghanistan.

Broader Immigration Crackdown and Official Directives

In conjunction with the visa pause, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) also announced a halt to all asylum decisions. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow stated that this pause would remain in effect 'until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible.' Edlow further revealed that he had initiated a 'full-scale, rigorous re-examination' of every green card issued to individuals from 'countries of concern' at the direction of President Trump.

President Trump has vowed to 'permanently pause migration from all 'Third World countries'' and ordered a review of green card applications from 19 'countries of concern'. These actions signify an intensified crackdown on immigration policies by the current administration.

Impact and Reactions

The suspension of visa issuance and the halt in immigration processing are expected to affect thousands of Afghans, including those waiting in third countries for relocation to the United States. This group includes former interpreters, contractors, and civil society workers who assisted American forces during two decades of conflict. The pause specifically includes Afghan Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs).

Refugee advocacy groups have voiced strong criticism regarding these measures. AfghanEvac, a U.S.-based nonprofit, called the move a 'violation of federal law' and argued that it 'unfairly punishes' thousands of Afghans who supported the U.S. mission.