Temporary halt to asylum decision-making
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a temporary halt to asylum decisions for foreigners. This decision was made in the context of the need to ensure security, which has become particularly relevant following the armed attack that took place near the White House. As a result of the shooting, 20-year-old servicewoman Sarah Bekstrom was killed, and another fighter, 24-year-old Andrew Wolf, is in critical condition in the hospital.
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow stated: 'USCIS has suspended all asylum-related decisions until we can ensure the maximum possible vetting and selection of each foreigner. The safety of Americans always comes first.'
In connection with these events, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwala, who moved to the U.S. from Afghanistan in 2021, was also detained.
U.S. Immigration Policy
This incident has brought heightened attention to the country's immigration policy. U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed a willingness to pause immigration from all 'third world countries.' In June, he issued an order banning entry for citizens from 19 countries on security grounds. Among these countries:
- Afghanistan
- Myanmar
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
The temporary halt to asylum decision-making may have significant consequences for many foreigners awaiting the consideration of their cases. This decision underscores the growing tension in U.S. immigration policy, especially in the context of security threats. Given recent events, governmental authorities may intensify control over immigrants, which in turn will affect immigration processes in the country.