UPDATE: In a stunning announcement, President Donald Trump declared an indefinite pause on asylum decisions following a tragic shooting incident near the White House that left 20-year-old National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom dead. This urgent policy change comes after an Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, allegedly opened fire, wounding two guardsmen and fatally injuring Beckstrom.
The President made this declaration on Sunday, November 26, 2023, emphasizing that there would be “no time limit” for the suspension of asylum applications. This significant measure aligns with existing travel bans affecting 19 countries, including Afghanistan, Cuba, and Iran, as confirmed by the Department of Homeland Security.
“We don’t want those people,” Trump asserted. “Many have been no good, and they shouldn’t be in our country. We’re going to get them out of here!” His remarks highlight a renewed focus on immigration policies amid rising national security concerns following the shooting.
Lakanwal, aged 29, now faces first-degree murder charges. He had previously served in a CIA-supported unit combating the Taliban before relocating to the U.S. after the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. Trump has pointed fingers at President Joe Biden for what he termed “lax vetting,” suggesting that the Biden administration’s policies contributed to allowing Lakanwal into the country during the Afghan airlift.
In a further escalation of his immigration stance, Trump announced a plan to “permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries to allow the U.S. system to fully recover.” This sweeping change aims to reshape the asylum landscape, impacting nations already on the travel restriction list.
On a more personal note, Trump revealed that he has invited Beckstrom’s grieving family to the White House, stating he spoke with her heartbroken parents. “When you’re ready, because that’s a tough thing, come to the White House. We’re going to honor Sarah,” he told reporters.
Additionally, Trump extended an invitation to critically injured guardsman Andrew Wolfe, aged 24, offering him the chance to recover at the White House. This gesture underscores the administration’s commitment to honoring those who serve and sacrifice.
Vigils have sprung up across West Virginia, Beckstrom’s home state, as communities come together to mourn her loss and pray for Wolfe’s recovery. The somber atmosphere has reignited fierce debates surrounding the Biden-era Afghan resettlement process and the future of U.S. asylum policies under Trump’s leadership.
As this situation continues to develop, the nation watches closely. The implications of Trump’s policies could reshape how the U.S. approaches immigration and national security in the coming years. Stay tuned for more urgent updates on this breaking story.
