Trump administration halts ALL asylum decisions

The Trump administration has halted all asylum decisions for those wanting to come to the United States until the government can take the time to properly screen and vet those coming into the United States. The move comes after an Afghan national has been charged with shooting two National Guard troops in Washington, DC. One of the National Guard members, Sarah Beckstrom, was killed and the other is in critical condition.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Joseph Edlow posted to X, "USCIS has halted all asylum decisions until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible. The safety of the American people always comes first."

The shift in policy could have massive implications for those seeking to come to the United States from around the world. The move is part of the Trump administration's effort to tighten up the immigration process after Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, has been charged with the murder of National Guard troop Sarah Beckstrom as well as the shooting of National Guard troop Andrew Wolfe.

Wolfe's family has said that doctors reported Andrew to be doing better than expected; however, he is still in critical condition at the hospital. The action was relayed to all USCIS officers on Friday internally for an indefinite pause on all asylum cases for all nationalities, per CBS News. Asylum cases involve those in foreign nations claiming that they are suffering persecution for their race, ethnicity, religion, or political views.

"Do not enter any decision information for affirmative cases," one notice read. "Defensive" cases, the other type of applications, are those that are filed by immigration judges, and have to do with those who are involved in a deportation trial.

The guidance said that officers can conduct interviews and review asylum applications, but have to stop short at making a decision in the case.