Federal immigration processing for Afghan nationals has been suspended after two National Guard members were critically injured in a Washington shooting. Federal officials have ordered a sweeping security review and a reassessment of Afghans who arrived during the Biden administration. The sudden halt raises uncertainty for applicants already navigating long, complex backlogs.
Federal Suspension Follows Security Incident Near the White House
The federal government has halted all immigration processing connected to Afghan nationals following a targeted shooting near the White House that left two National Guard soldiers critically injured. Officials described the event as an act of terror and said the pause will remain in effect while national security protocols undergo extensive review.
The suspension comes as the administration intensifies calls for a complete reassessment of individuals who entered the United States from Afghanistan between 2021 and 2025. A directive circulated among federal agencies indicates that vetting procedures from that period require further evaluation. While the review is expected to be broad, agencies have not yet released details on how it will be carried out.
Suspension of Afghan Immigration Processing
USCIS announced that, effective immediately, all immigration requests for Afghan nationals are on hold indefinitely. The agency mentioned the need to review screening systems and work with security officials as investigations continue. This suspension affects all pending and future filings until new protocols are in place.
Officials emphasized that the decision is based on national security considerations rather than conclusions about the Afghan community as a whole. Advocacy groups have noted that Afghans who assisted U.S. forces have historically undergone extensive multi-layered vetting. They caution that policy responses to isolated incidents should not lead to broad penalties for already vulnerable individuals.
Re-Examination of Afghans Who Entered Under Biden
Federal officials stated that a reassessment will include Afghan nationals admitted during the Biden administration, including those who arrived through Operation Allies Welcome. A related memo calls for a comprehensive review and re-interview of refugees admitted between January 20, 2021, and February 20, 2025, including individuals who later obtained permanent residence. Tens of thousands of people could be affected.
Agencies have yet to specify how the reassessment will be conducted or how long the process will take. Humanitarian organizations warn that many Afghans in the United States have previously worked alongside U.S. forces and faced threats from the Taliban. They suggested abrupt policy shifts risk deepening instability for individuals who’ve already completed rigorous vetting.
Context on Afghan Arrivals and Long-Standing Backlogs
More than 80,000 Afghans were resettled in the United States after the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan. Meanwhile, tens of thousands more are still overseas with pending applications. Afghan immigrant and refugee cases already experienced significant delays beforehand, including over 150,000 Special Immigrant Visa applicants awaiting processing as recently as last year.
Advocates highlight that many Afghan allies remain at risk under the Taliban regime. They stress that changes to federal policy should take into account the ongoing humanitarian situation. They further warn that such administrative stays, without defined timelines, may prolong insecurity for families seeking protection or reunification with their relatives.
Looking Ahead
Analysts expect that the federal pause and proposed reassessment will create new procedural layers. This will likely lengthen wait times for Afghan nationals who are seeking protection or immigration benefits. Additional federal guidance is anticipated as agencies complete their security review.
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