US Halts Visas for Afghan Passport Holders: What the Sudden Pause Means

The United States has paused all visa issuance for individuals traveling on Afghan passports, the State Department announced on Friday (Nov 28). The decision took effect immediately and comes shortly after the US immigration service revealed it would suspend all asylum adjudications.

Both developments follow President Donald Trump’s declaration that his administration will “permanently pause migration from all Third World countries.” Although Trump did not specify which nations fall under that label, he posted an image recalling the chaotic 2021 evacuation from Afghanistan during former President Joe Biden’s tenure, suggesting the episode influenced the new policy direction.

Trump argued that “people poured into our country totally unvetted and unchecked,” adding that his administration would “fix it” while vowing never to “forget what crooked Joe Biden and his thugs did to our country.”

Incident involving Afghan suspect adds to political tension

The policy shift also arrives in the shadow of a recent incident involving a National Guard member who was reportedly shot by a suspect identified as Afghan. According to CNN sources, the suspect’s family said he has been struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder. The case has intensified political debate surrounding immigration and national security.

What the visa pause means going forward

The immediate freeze means:

• No new US visas will be issued to Afghan passport holders until further notice.
• Afghans in the visa pipeline may face indefinite delays, depending on how long the suspension remains in place.
• The announcement heightens uncertainty for families separated, students planning to travel, and Afghans seeking humanitarian relief.

As the administration prepares to outline formal guidelines, the pause marks one of the most sweeping immigration moves since Trump returned to office.