Washington DC, USA – In a major escalation of US immigration policy, President Donald J. Trump has announced that the ongoing freeze on asylum decisions will remain in effect “for a long time,” leaving thousands of asylum seekers in extended uncertainty as the administration doubles down on its latest crackdown.
The announcement came during a media interaction aboard Air Force One, shortly after the arrest of a 29-year-old Afghan national accused of killing a National Guard member near the White House. The incident has triggered a sweeping policy response, with Trump linking the freeze directly to security concerns surrounding migrants from what he repeatedly called “problem countries.”
According to the president, the suspension affects individuals from 19 countries already facing visa or travel restrictions under US immigration policy. “We don’t want those people… many have been no good,” Trump declared, defending the decision as a national security necessity.
Following the directive, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) halted the processing of all asylum claims indefinitely. Officials confirmed that Afghan visa issuances have also been paused, leaving thousands of families — many displaced by war or political turmoil — unsure of their future as their paperwork remains frozen mid-process.
Immigration analysts warn that the freeze could have long-lasting consequences, potentially reshaping US refugee admissions and further straining relations with countries dependent on US humanitarian pathways. Rights groups have called the move “punitive and reactionary,” arguing that the actions of one individual should not justify blanket measures impacting thousands.
Critics fear the indefinite timeline may drive vulnerable migrants into deeper desperation as they wait for clarity. Meanwhile, supporters of the freeze argue that stronger vetting and a temporary pause are necessary to reassess risks and strengthen national security protocols.
As the asylum freeze continues without a defined end date, Washington finds itself at the centre of a growing debate — one balancing humanitarian responsibility against domestic security concerns. The world watches closely as America’s immigration landscape undergoes yet another dramatic shift under Trump’s renewed policy direction.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.