Story perspectives

U.S. Suspends Afghan Visas, Reviews Immigration Policies

11/29/2025

Summary

Lakanwal's Visa Suspension

The U.S. government suspended visa issuance for Afghan passport holders after a shooting near the White House carried out by Rahmanullah Lakanwal.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services halted asylum applications indefinitely, affecting more than 100,000 pending cases.
U.S. President Donald Trump called for a review of immigration policies, citing flaws in vetting.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized enhanced national security.

History

Historical Context

The Immigration Act of 1924, also known as the Johnson-Reed Act, established strict quotas that limited immigration from specific countries to 2% of the foreign-born population already in the U.S., significantly reducing immigration from Eastern and Southern Europe and banning Asian immigrants. This historical precedent resonates today as the recent suspension of visas for Afghan passport holders reflects ongoing tensions between national security and humanitarian responsibilities in U.S. immigration policy.

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Lakanwal's Visa Suspension

The U.S. government suspended visa issuance for Afghan passport holders after a shooting near the White House carried out by Rahmanullah Lakanwal.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services halted asylum applications indefinitely, affecting more than 100,000 pending cases.
U.S. President Donald Trump called for a review of immigration policies, citing flaws in vetting.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized enhanced national security.

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