In a sweeping and highly consequential decision, the United States has halted the processing of all US visa applications submitted by Afghan nationals, effectively freezing the special immigration pathways created for Afghans who supported American forces during the two-decade war in Afghanistan. The move, ordered by President Donald Trump’s administration, was outlined in a State Department cable obtained by Reuters and has triggered intense criticism from advocacy organizations, immigration experts, and former military personnel who worked closely with Afghan allies.
The directive, sent to every U.S. diplomatic mission around the world, instructed American consular officers to immediately reject every immigrant and non-immigrant US visa application filed by Afghan citizens—regardless of category. This includes applicants in the long-standing Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program, which was established to protect Afghans who directly assisted the U.S. military, intelligence agencies, contractors, and diplomatic teams throughout the war.
The sudden suspension marks one of the most significant shifts in U.S. immigration policy toward Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover in 2021, and it signals a dramatic tightening of security protocols following a recent incident in Washington, D.C.
Security Incident Precedes Visa Freeze
The policy change came just days after a former member of an Afghan CIA-backed strike unit was accused of shooting two U.S. National Guard soldiers in Washington, D.C., one of whom later died. The suspect’s arrest intensified pressure on federal agencies to re-evaluate existing vetting systems and prompted immediate scrutiny from national security officials.
Within 48 hours of the shooting, the State Department issued an urgent cable instructing embassies and consulates to pause all processing for Afghan nationals. The cable emphasized that consular officers must deny applications even if an interview had already been scheduled or conducted.
While no official connection has been publicly confirmed between the accused shooter and the SIV or refugee programs, Secretary of State Marco Rubio released a statement on platform X announcing that all travelers using Afghan passports would face a pause in visa issuance. The statement highlighted the administration’s view that the suspension is necessary to ensure “identity verification and eligibility assessments consistent with U.S. law.”
The White House declined to comment when approached by reporters on Saturday, leaving many unanswered questions about how long the suspension will remain in place and whether it could escalate into a long-term ban.
Widespread Impact on Afghan Allies and Refugees
For tens of thousands of Afghans who have spent years navigating the complex U.S. immigration system, the new restrictions introduce profound uncertainty. Many applicants are former interpreters, security personnel, logistics specialists, drivers, engineers, or embassy staff who risked their lives to work alongside American forces.
Over 200,000 Afghans have already arrived in the United States through various refugee and SIV programs since 2021. However, according to AfghanEvac—an advocacy coalition supporting Afghan evacuees—applications for an additional 265,000 Afghans remain pending abroad. Of these, nearly 180,000 are in the SIV pipeline, waiting for lengthy background checks and document reviews.
Shawn VanDiver, the president of AfghanEvac, sharply criticized the administration’s decision, calling it the culmination of a months-long effort to restrict Afghan entry into the country.
“There is no doubt this is the outcome they have been driving toward for months,” VanDiver wrote in a statement. He added that the new directive effectively blocks vulnerable families from the protections they were promised for their service alongside U.S. personnel.
Interviews to Proceed, But No Visas Will Be Issued
State Department guidance indicates that U.S. embassies should not cancel scheduled appointments for Afghan applicants. However, consular officers must refuse their cases upon arrival, regardless of eligibility or prior documentation.
The cable went even further, stating that any US visa previously approved but not yet physically printed must be rescinded. Printed visas are to be destroyed, and consular records must be updated to reflect rejected status.
This decision applies not only to SIVs but to every category of US visa, including family reunification visas, student visas, work visas, tourist visas, and humanitarian parole requests. It effectively constitutes a blanket freeze on legal entry for Afghan passport holders.
In addition to the State Department order, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) agency had already halted processing of Afghan immigration petitions earlier in the week. Combined, the two directives represent a near-total stoppage of Afghan immigration into the United States.
A Shift Toward Restricting Legal Immigration
Since returning to the Oval Office in January, President Trump has increasingly focused on expanding immigration enforcement measures and narrowing pathways for legal entry into the United States. Federal agents have been deployed across major American cities, and asylum seekers at the U.S.–Mexico border have faced intensified screening and higher rejection rates.
The visa suspension for Afghan nationals aligns with this broader strategy, signaling a potential shift from concentrating solely on border enforcement to curbing legal immigration channels as well. Administration officials have argued that the pause allows time to strengthen identity-verification systems and ensure national security.
Nevertheless, immigration analysts warn that the decision could have far-reaching consequences for U.S. credibility abroad. Many note that the SIV program, created during the George W. Bush administration, was designed specifically to honor commitments made by the United States to its wartime partners.
Humanitarian and National Security Concerns
Human rights organizations, former military officers, and foreign policy experts have all expressed deep concern about the humanitarian impact of the latest directive. Many Afghans waiting for US visa processing are living under Taliban rule, facing threats, persecution, and economic hardship due to their association with the United States.
Retired U.S. military advisers have publicly stated that abandoning these individuals could damage the nation’s global reputation and undermine trust among foreign partners who may hesitate to assist U.S. missions in the future out of fear of being left behind.
Advocacy groups also emphasize that the SIV program includes some of the most rigorous vetting procedures in the entire U.S. immigration system, often requiring years of background checks, biometric data collection, and security reviews. Freezing these applications, they argue, does little to enhance national security and instead endangers individuals who previously stood shoulder-to-shoulder with American service members.
Political Reactions and Legal Challenges Expected
The decision is expected to provoke legal challenges from civil rights groups and immigration organizations. Critics argue that implementing a blanket pause on all Afghan applicants—rather than evaluating applicants individually—may constitute discrimination based on nationality.
Members of Congress from both parties have already expressed concern, with some calling for urgent hearings into the suspension. Several lawmakers who previously supported expanding the SIV program said they were blindsided by the abrupt reversal.
Despite the backlash, the administration has shown no indication of reconsidering the order. Officials insist the decision is temporary, though no timeline for review or reinstatement has been provided.
Families Left in Limbo
For thousands of Afghan families, the suspension represents not only a bureaucratic setback but a life-or-death crisis. Many applicants have already sold property, left jobs, or fled their homes in anticipation of U.S. relocation. Others remain in hiding due to threats from the Taliban or extremist factions.
Advocates fear that the longer the freeze continues, the greater the danger these individuals will face. With processing halted and visas revoked, many now have no viable path out of Afghanistan or neighboring countries where they sought refuge.
Several applicants interviewed by volunteer networks described feeling devastated, betrayed, and fearful of what may come next. Many worked years in service to the United States and believed that the SIV program represented a promise the U.S. government would uphold.
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What Comes Next?
For now, the policy leaves tens of thousands in an uncertain and precarious position. Immigration experts say the administration could choose to replace the blanket suspension with more targeted screening measures, though it is unclear whether such discussions are taking place internally.
Until then, Afghan nationals attempting to secure a US visa will face an indefinite pause. Many advocacy groups are urging Congress and the White House to restore the SIV program and resume processing humanitarian visas, warning that continued inaction could have irreversible consequences.
As the situation unfolds, global attention will remain fixed on Washington’s next steps, with both humanitarian obligations and national security interests hanging in the balance.
