US Suspends Asylum Proceedings Indefinitely Following Washington Attack
The United States government has initiated an indefinite suspension of all asylum proceedings after a recent attack in Washington, in which two members of the National Guard were shot, resulting in the death of one servicemember. The policy was announced following the incident and is expected to remain in effect for an extended period, with no specified timeframe for resumption.
The decision to halt asylum applications nationwide was confirmed by the US administration, citing the need for enhanced security measures and comprehensive background checks. Officials stated that the pause will continue until authorities are confident that all foreign nationals applying for asylum are thoroughly vetted. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has temporarily stopped processing asylum cases and is reviewing existing immigration documentation for increased scrutiny.
The attack that led to these measures occurred in central Washington, where two National Guard members were seriously wounded by gunfire. One of the victims, a 20-year-old woman, later succumbed to her injuries. The alleged perpetrator, a 29-year-old Afghan national, was apprehended and charged with murder. While the motivation behind the act remains unclear, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect entered the United States in 2021 under a special resettlement program. This initiative was designed to support individuals who had assisted US agencies during the withdrawal from Afghanistan.
According to US media, the suspect formally applied for asylum in 2024, and his request was granted in April 2025. Reports suggest that the individual may have been radicalized after his arrival in the United States. Authorities are currently examining his connections and the circumstances that may have contributed to his actions.
In addition to pausing asylum applications, the US government has temporarily stopped issuing visas to Afghan passport holders. The USCIS is also conducting a comprehensive review of permanent residency permits, known as Green Cards, for individuals originating from 19 specific countries. This list includes nations such as Iran, Cuba, Venezuela, Haiti, Eritrea, Burundi, Chad, and Myanmar. The aim of these measures is to strengthen background checks and ensure that all residents meet the necessary security criteria.
Officials emphasized that the temporary suspension of immigration procedures is intended to enhance national security and prevent similar incidents in the future. The Department of Homeland Security is collaborating closely with local and federal law enforcement agencies to assess the risk of radicalization among recent immigrants and to address any potential vulnerabilities in the current vetting processes.
Investigators have indicated that the suspect may have developed extremist views while residing in the United States, influenced by contacts within his community and state. The authorities are continuing to examine the suspect's network and background to determine the factors that led to the attack. Efforts are underway to communicate with individuals who interacted with the suspect, including family members and acquaintances, in order to gain a clearer understanding of the situation.
The indefinite suspension of asylum proceedings and the review of immigration documents reflect a broader shift in US migration policy, focusing on heightened security and stricter screening procedures. The government has reiterated its commitment to maintaining public safety while ensuring that the immigration system remains robust and effective.