U.S. Suspends Afghan Immigration Cases After Washington Shooting
U.S. Suspends Afghan Immigration Cases After Washington Shooting
LN24 / 2 days
November 27, 2025
2 min read
Afghans who left their country after the Taliban takeover and have been waiting for U.S. resettlement decisions say their remaining path to safety has narrowed after Washington suspended all Afghan immigration processing following a shooting near the White House. U.S. immigration authorities announced an indefinite pause shortly after an Afghan national shot and critically injured two National Guard soldiers in Washington. President Donald Trump described the event as an act of terrorism and ordered a review of Afghans who entered the United States during Joe Biden’s administration.
For Afghans in Pakistan—where large numbers are awaiting U.S. decisions—the suspension has created significant uncertainty. Ahmad Samim Naimi, 34, who previously worked in media and government in Afghanistan, said he fled to Pakistan due to detentions targeting journalists and former officials. He stated that returning to Afghanistan would put him at high personal risk.
Conditions for Afghans in Pakistan have also become more difficult amid increased deportations and detentions, affecting even those with valid documents. Rights groups report that individuals associated with the previous Afghan government, the military, civil society, or international organizations remain at risk under Taliban rule.
Thousands of Afghans had been in the pipeline for U.S. programs designed for individuals facing potential persecution. Many now fear prolonged delays, though some remain hopeful that processing will eventually resume.
