UPDATE: Donald Trump has just announced an indefinite pause on asylum decisions in the wake of a tragic shooting incident near the White House that resulted in the death of a National Guard member. The announcement follows the shooting of two guardsmen, which left 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom dead and another critically injured.
This urgent policy shift was made public on November 26, 2023, during a press briefing where Trump stated he has “no time limit” on the suspension of asylum applications. This decision is tied to a list of 19 nations already facing US travel restrictions, including Afghanistan, Cuba, and Iran.
In a blunt statement, Trump declared, “We don’t want those people… because many have been no good, and they shouldn’t be in our country.” This reflects the administration’s growing concerns about national security following the shooting perpetrated by Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national charged with first-degree murder.
Lakanwal, who previously served with a CIA-supported unit against the Taliban, was granted asylum in April 2025 during Trump’s administration. However, Trump has laid blame on President Biden, accusing him of “lax vetting,” allowing Lakanwal entry during the chaotic Afghan airlift. This incident has reignited fierce debates over the Biden-era Afghan resettlement process and its implications for future US asylum policies.
In a show of compassion, Trump extended an invitation to the family of Sarah Beckstrom, offering to honor her sacrifice at the White House. “When you’re ready, come to the White House. We’re going to honor Sarah,” he shared during the briefing, expressing his condolences to her grieving family.
Meanwhile, vigils have been held across Beckstrom’s home state of West Virginia to commemorate her life and pray for the recovery of Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, age 24, who remains hospitalized after the attack. The shooting has sparked a national conversation about security and immigration policy in the United States.
Authorities in the Department of Homeland Security have confirmed that the indefinite asylum halt will impact many individuals seeking refuge from the 19 countries identified in their travel ban list. This sweeping policy change underscores the administration’s focus on national security in the aftermath of the shooting.
As this story develops, many are left questioning the future of US asylum policies and the implications of Trump’s hardline stance against immigration from regions deemed high-risk. The nation watches closely as the administration navigates these complex issues in the coming days.
