WASHINGTON (AP) — In light of last week's shooting involving two National Guard members in the capital by an Afghan national, the Trump administration has rolled out a series of new immigration policies to restrict foreign entry and residence.
The administration announced a pause on asylum decisions, a re-evaluation of green card applications for individuals from 'countries of concern,' and a suspension of visa applications for Afghans who collaborated with U.S. efforts in the region.
Just days before the shooting, a memo stated that the administration would review cases of refugees who entered during the Biden administration, resulting in criticism from refugee advocates who assert that these policies represent collective punishment and squander government resources.
Despite criticism, the administration claims these changes are essential for national security. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow stated that asylum decisions will be paused until thorough vetting processes are assured. Details on the extent and duration of this pause remain unclear.
The newly introduced policies particularly target countries deemed 'high-risk,' especially affecting asylum seekers from 19 nations. Travel to the U.S. has already been heavily restricted for citizens from some of these countries.
Furthermore, a complete suspension on immigration requests pertaining to Afghan nationals will impact existing Afghan residents in the U.S. pursuing permanent status or family reunification.
The review of refugees admitted under the Biden administration, covering approximately 200,000 cases, has fueled concerns among advocates about the potential hindrance to resettlement efforts. The Trump administration had already imposed extensive restrictions on the U.S. refugee program, significantly curtailing admissions since its inception.
