UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, President Donald Trump has declared a permanent pause on asylum decisions following the tragic shooting that claimed the life of 20-year-old National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom. This devastating incident occurred near the White House on Sunday, where an Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, allegedly opened fire, injuring two guardsmen and fatally wounding Beckstrom.
Trump emphasized that there would be “no time limit” on this asylum suspension, linking it to a list of 19 countries already facing US travel bans. “We don’t want those people,” Trump stated, adding, “many have been no good, and they shouldn’t be in our country.” This announcement follows the shooting incident that left another guardsman, Andrew Wolfe, fighting for his life.
The shooting incident, which occurred in Washington, DC on November 26, has ignited intense scrutiny over the Biden administration’s Afghan resettlement policies. Lakanwal, aged 29, was granted asylum in April 2025 during Trump’s presidency, after having served with a CIA-supported unit against the Taliban. Trump has placed blame on President Joe Biden for what he termed “lax vetting” processes that allowed Lakanwal into the US during the Afghan airlift.
In the aftermath of this tragedy, Trump has vowed to “permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries” to allow the US immigration system to recover fully. The Department of Homeland Security has indicated that this pause will specifically impact countries including Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, Iran, and Myanmar.
On Sunday, Trump extended an invitation to Beckstrom’s grieving family to visit the White House. Speaking to reporters, he recounted his conversation with her parents: “I said: ‘When you’re ready, come to the White House. We’re going to honor Sarah.'” He also invited critically injured Staff Sergeant Wolfe to recover at the executive mansion, promising support during this difficult time.
Vigils have emerged across West Virginia, honoring the fallen guardsman and praying for Wolfe’s recovery. The emotional toll of the shooting has sparked fierce discussions over the future of US asylum policies, with many calling for immediate reforms in light of the tragic events.
As the nation grapples with this heartbreaking incident, the implications of Trump’s asylum pause will reverberate across communities, affecting countless lives. The administration’s next steps will be closely watched as debates over immigration policy intensify.
