US Suspends Asylum Decisions After Afghan Guards’ Deaths
In light of the shooting death of two Afghan National Guard soldiers in Washington, D.C., the Trump administration has put a halt to applications from 19 countries considered high-risk for national security.
This move was announced by Joseph Edlow, the Commissioner of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), in a social media update last Friday.
“USCIS has suspended all asylum decisions until we can ensure that all aliens are vetted and tested to the fullest extent possible. The safety of American citizens always comes first,” Edlow stated.
Additionally, Edlow mentioned that President Trump has instructed a thorough reassessment of green cards for individuals from all countries identified as concerning.
“The protection of this country and the American people remains our top priority, and Americans will not bear the costs of the previous administration’s reckless resettlement policies. America’s security is non-negotiable,” Edlow added.
A memo from USCIS indicated that a comprehensive review—including interviews—of foreign nationals from the identified high-risk countries who entered the U.S. after January 20, 2021, is necessary.
“USCIS determined that the delays in processing some applications are justified when weighed against the agency’s duty to maintain national security,” the memo concluded.
This suspension will also affect citizenship ceremonies for lawful permanent residents from the countries specified in the order. Travel restrictions had already been imposed on these countries, which include locations like Afghanistan, Venezuela, Iran, and others, dating back to June 4.
On another note, President Trump recently criticized Somali immigrants, particularly in Minnesota, where the Somali community has come under scrutiny for alleged misuse of state funds.
He remarked, “They contribute nothing. We don’t want them in our country.” He continued, “There’s a reason their country is no good. Your country stinks. We don’t want them in our country.”
Trump elaborated, “They’re not the people who work. They’re not the people who say, ‘Okay, let’s go. Let’s make this place great.’ They’re the people who just complain.” He added, “If we continue to bring trash into the country, we are going in the wrong direction.”
He also targeted Representative Ilhan Omar, saying, “Ilhan Omar is trash. She’s trash. Her friends are trash,” referring to her as part of the far-left movement.
Moreover, Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, recently expressed support for a “complete travel ban on all countries that are flooding our country with murderers, leeches, and rights junkies.”
“Our ancestors built this country on blood, sweat, and an unwavering love of freedom. Not for foreign invaders to slaughter our heroes, drain our hard-earned tax dollars, and rob Americans of the benefits they deserve. We don’t want them. We don’t want anyone,” Noem stated.
