“There is no time limit, but it could last for a long time,” President Trump told reporters on November 30 when asked how long the suspension would remain in effect. He added that the U.S. already faces “enough problems” and should not admit individuals who are “not suitable” for the country. “Do you know why we don’t want them? Because many of them are not good people and should not be in this country,” Trump said.
On the same day, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that authorities believe Rahmanullah Lakanwal — an Afghan migrant accused of shooting two National Guard soldiers near the White House on November 26 — was not radicalized until after he had moved to the United States. One of the soldiers later died from severe injuries, while the other remains in critical condition. She added that investigators are seeking additional information from the suspect’s family and acquaintances.
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Following the attack, the Trump administration issued an order suspending the review of asylum status for citizens of 19 countries previously subject to U.S. travel restrictions, including Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, Iran, and Myanmar.
Lakanwal, 29, was a former member of a CIA-backed partner force involved in counter-Taliban operations in Afghanistan. He entered the U.S. under a resettlement program launched by the Biden administration after the U.S. military withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021. Although he was granted asylum in April 2025 under President Trump, officials initially blamed the prior administration for inadequate vetting when allowing him entry into the country.