Following a recent attack in Washington, the US government has temporarily halted asylum and immigration applications from 19 countries, citing security concerns and ongoing comprehensive review.

The United States has announced a temporary suspension of immigration and asylum applications from 19 countries deemed “high-risk.” The decision, taken by the Trump administration, affects applicants filing I-589 forms for asylum and requests for withholding of removal until a thorough review is completed.

The countries affected include Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.

Officials stated that the measure is an extension of previous travel bans and immigration restrictions introduced through a presidential decree signed by former President Trump on June 5.

The decision comes after a deadly attack in Washington on November 26, where two National Guards were shot near the White House. Twenty-year-old Sarah Beckstrom was killed, while 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe was injured. The assailant, identified as 24-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal from Afghanistan, has been charged with first-degree murder.

According to authorities, Lakanwal reportedly served with the CIA in Afghanistan at age 15 and harbored grievances against his former unit over past losses. In response, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced an increase in National Guard presence in the capital, with 500 additional troops deployed under the directive of President Trump.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) emphasized that the suspension is temporary and will remain in effect only until the ongoing security review is completed, as part of measures to ensure national safety and protect federal personnel. (ILKHA)