Trump Governance Halts Asylum Claim Decisions in Broad Immigration Move
WASHINGTON D.C. – The Trump Administration has paused the processing of all pending asylum claims, a sweeping action announced as part of a broader effort to tighten immigration policies. The move, revealed Wednesday, effectively halts a key pathway for individuals seeking refuge in the united States while the administration re-evaluates the asylum system.
The decision comes amid heightened scrutiny of asylum claims and a push to prioritize border security. Homeland security Secretary Kristi Noem stated the pause is necessary to address what she described as systemic abuse of the asylum process.
the administration’s actions follow a case involving Afghan national Lakanwal, granted asylum in April.However,it was revealed that Lakanwal arrived in the U.S. in september 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a programme initiated during the Biden administration to assist Afghans who aided the U.S. war effort following the withdrawal from Afghanistan. This program allowed nearly 200,000 Afghan nationals to resettle in the U.S. for up to two years without permanent resident status.
Claims that the Biden-era program lacked sufficient vetting have been made by FBI Director kash Patel, but an audit of the FBI conducted by the Department’s Inspector General in June 2025 found no systemic breakdown in the multi-layered screening process for Afghan refugees, which involves multiple federal agencies.
The administration has also pointed to the vetting of approximately 8,000 Afghan nationals admitted via asylum since Trump took office.
Lakanwal, originally from the Afghan province of Khost, was residing in Bellingham, Washington, with his wife and five children. Family members have reported he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to his experiences fighting in Afghanistan.
Lakanwal is now facing charges related to an incident involving the death of a man, initially facing potential charges of assault with the intent to kill and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Following the man’s death, U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro stated Lakanwal will be charged with first-degree murder.
This latest growth underscores the ongoing debate over asylum policy and the challenges of balancing national security concerns with humanitarian obligations.Further details on the administration’s plans for the asylum system are expected in the coming days.
