The United States has announced an immediate and indefinite suspension of all immigration requests for Afghan nationals, a decisive move that came hours after two National Guard members were shot in Washington, D.C.
An Attack in the Heart of the Capital
The suspension was triggered by a violent incident on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. Authorities report that an Afghan national allegedly opened fire on two members of the National Guard near the White House at approximately 2:15 p.m. The soldiers were on a routine patrol when the point-blank range, ambush-style attack occurred.
U.S. Army Col. Larry Doane, the joint task force commander, confirmed the assailant was subdued by authorities at the scene with no further incident. Both guards sustained critical injuries and were rushed to surgery, according to U.S. attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro.
Immediate Policy Response and Political Fallout
In a late-night statement, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) declared on X that the processing of all Afghan-related immigration requests is halted indefinitely pending further review of security and vetting protocols. The agency stated that the protection and safety of our homeland and of the American people remains our singular focus and mission.
President Donald Trump addressed the nation, expressing solidarity with the wounded guards from the West Virginia National Guard and their families. He directly linked the suspect to the more than 190,000 Afghans who have settled in the U.S. since August 2021 under programs like Operation Allies Welcome, initiated by the Biden administration.
We're not going to put up with these kind of assaults on law and order by people who shouldn't even be in our country, President Trump stated. He announced a sweeping directive to re-examine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden and to remove anyone who does not belong.
Security Reinforcements and Ongoing Investigation
In response to the attack, President Trump said he has ordered the Department of War to mobilize 500 additional troops to help secure the capital city. The White House has vowed to bring the perpetrator to swift and certain justice.
This event has reignited intense debate over U.S. immigration and vetting procedures, particularly concerning individuals brought from Afghanistan during the 2021 withdrawal. The Department of Homeland Security is confident the suspect in custody is part of that specific migrant group.
