BREAKING: President Donald Trump has just announced an indefinite pause on asylum decisions following a tragic shooting incident near the White House that resulted in the death of 20-year-old National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom. This urgent policy change comes after an Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, allegedly attacked two guardsmen on November 26, 2023, fatally wounding Beckstrom and critically injuring Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24.
During a press conference on Sunday, Trump confirmed he has “no time limit” on the asylum suspension, emphasizing a strong connection to a list of 19 nations already facing U.S. travel bans. “We don’t want those people,” Trump declared, citing concerns over vetting processes. This shocking statement follows the tragic loss of Beckstrom, who died while another guardsman continues to fight for their life.
The administration’s decision to halt asylum processes is framed as a response to what Trump labeled as “lax vetting” during the Biden administration. Lakanwal, 29, had been granted asylum in April 2025, after serving with a CIA-supported unit against the Taliban. The shooting has reignited fierce debates over the resettlement process for Afghan nationals and the overall direction of U.S. asylum policy.
In an emotional gesture, Trump invited Beckstrom’s grieving family to the White House, stating, “When you’re ready, because that’s a tough thing, come to the White House. We’re going to honor Sarah.” He extended the same invitation to Wolfe, allowing him to recover at the executive mansion if he chooses. Vigils have erupted across West Virginia, where both guardsmen are from, as the community mourns and prays for Wolfe’s recovery.
This new asylum policy targets nations such as Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, Iran, and Myanmar, all of which have faced recent U.S. travel restrictions. As the nation grapples with the implications of this decision, officials from the Department of Homeland Security have stated that the pause aims to allow the U.S. immigration system to “fully recover.”
The urgent nature of this announcement suggests significant changes ahead for American immigration policy, with Trump promising to “permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries.” As details unfold, the implications for asylum seekers and the future of U.S. immigration remain uncertain.
Stay tuned for developing updates on this situation as it continues to evolve.
