USCIS Freezes All Afghan Immigration Cases Nationwide, Indefinitely, After D.C. Shooting

USCIS announced an immediate, indefinite halt to processing all immigration applications from Afghan nationals following a D.C. shooting that critically injured two National Guard members; the suspect arrived in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome. The White House signaled plans to re-examine Afghan arrivals admitted during the Biden administration. Advocates warn the pause could traumatize refugees, deepen backlogs, and spark legal challenges; officials defend it as a security measure while vetting protocols are reviewed.