A foreign national from Afghanistan, brought to the United States during the Biden administration, targeted National Guard personnel, prompting the Trump administration to launch a comprehensive review of all Afghans currently in the country. White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt announced the measures at a press conference.
Leavitt said visas issued to Afghans worldwide have been paused, and asylum applications from all third-world countries have been temporarily halted. “These steps are being taken to ensure the safety of the American people and the security of our nation,” she said.
Addressing reporters, Leavitt emphasized that thousands of individuals brought from Afghanistan during the previous administration still pose potential threats to Americans and U.S. security. She noted that all Afghans in the United States are undergoing renewed screening, and legal immigration programs are being strengthened, while illegal immigrants are required to return to their home countries.
“U.S. visas are not a right; they are a privilege granted at our discretion,” Leavitt said, adding that security concerns have led to the pause of Afghan visas globally and the temporary deferment of asylum requests. She also cited criminal records of several Afghan nationals as part of the administration’s justification for the measures.
