US halts all Afghan immigration processing after Washington DC shooting by migrant

The United States has halted all immigration processing for Afghan nationals indefinitely, pending a comprehensive review of security and vetting procedures, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced on Wednesday.

In addition, no timeline was given for when the pause might be lifted.

The move comes hours after two National Guard soldiers were shot near the White House in what authorities described as a "targeted" ambush. The suspect, an Afghan migrant who was wounded during an exchange of gunfire, was taken into custody.


Also Read | 'Act of terror': Trump urges to re-examine 'every single alien' who entered US from Aghanistan under Biden

The US immigration agency said the decision was taken “effective immediately,” stressing that the protection of the homeland and the safety of the American public remained its “singular focus and mission.”

"Effective immediately, processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals is stopped indefinitely pending further review of security and vetting protocols. The protection and safety of our homeland and of the American people remains our singular focus and mission," the USCIS said in a post on X.



Addressing the nation on the matter, President Donald Trump labelled the incident as a "terror" attack and called for review of all Afghan migrants that had been allowed into the country by his predecessor Biden's administration.

Meanwhile, Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser called it a "targeted" attack at a press briefing.

Attack on National Guards rattles US

The shooting unfolded around 2:15 p.m. ET near the corner of 17th and I streets, just blocks from the White House, where West Virginia National Guard soldiers were conducting a “high-visibility patrol,” Metropolitan Police Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll said.

The suspect reportedly came around a corner and “ambushed” the troops near Farragut Square, a busy lunchtime area for downtown workers.

Also read: Suspect in National Guard shooting is Afghan migrant: US media

After an exchange of gunfire, other National Guard members subdued the attacker. The two wounded soldiers were in critical condition in local hospitals, FBI Director Kash Patel said. Officials said the motive remained unclear but added that the suspect appeared to have acted alone.

Moreover, a Justice Department official told Reuters the case was being investigated as an act of terrorism.