Homeland Security Seeks Moratorium on Asylum Applications
On Friday night, the Department of Homeland Security announced it is looking to pause 2.2 million pending asylum applications. This decision follows an incident where Afghan asylum seekers attacked National Guard troops near the White House just before Thanksgiving.
This announcement arrives after the Trump administration initiated an investigation into over 720,000 current green card holders from 19 “countries of concern.” This came after Rahmanullah Rakanwal, 29, was involved in a shooting that killed Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and left Andrew Wolf, 24, severely injured near the White House.
Rakanwal had fled Afghanistan in 2001 after working with the CIA’s Unit Zero. Though he was granted asylum in April, which would make him eligible for a green card in a year, his recent actions have prompted serious scrutiny.
The State Department has also halted the issuance of visas for those traveling on Afghan passports, citing the “horrific terrorist attack on the National Guard.”
“The Trump Administration prioritizes American safety, and a comprehensive strategy is underway to bolster our national security,” stated Tommy Piggott, chief deputy press secretary.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Joseph Edlow shared on X that his agency has “suspended all asylum decisions” to ensure all foreign nationals are effectively vetted. “The safety of the American people takes precedence,” he emphasized.
How this ruling will impact those arriving at borders seeking refuge or those awaiting trial dates is not yet clear. Edlow mentioned a rigorous review of all green card applications from countries of concern.
While President Trump hasn’t commented directly on these recent developments, he noted that “only reverse immigration can fully resolve this situation.” A senior White House official indicated that the plans regarding the green card review are still being finalized.
It remains uncertain whether certain countries will be prioritized in investigations or if green card holders will face interview requirements. Approximately 12.8 million green card holders reside legally in the U.S., primarily through employment, humanitarian aid, or family connections.
Green card holders can typically apply for citizenship after five years, yet many don’t. In 2023, significant numbers of green cards were issued to individuals from Cuba, Afghanistan, Venezuela, Haiti, and Iran, among others. Countries with historical ties to terrorism, like Yemen and Sudan, also figure into this review.
Moreover, the administration’s move against legal immigration aligns with aggressive measures against illegal immigration, especially after a notable increase in border crossings during the previous administration. President Trump has expressed a strong stance on curbing immigration from nations he categorizes as “Third World,” aiming to fortify the U.S. immigration system.
