When will America’s asylum doors open again? Trump plans long pause

President Donald Trump has said the United States could put asylum applications on hold for an extended period, signalling yet another sharp shift in the country’s immigration approach.

Speaking to journalists aboard Air Force One, the president tied his remarks to a security incident near the White House, where an Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, faces charges over a deadly shooting involving members of the National Guard. “We have enough problems,” Trump said, when pressed about how long asylum processing could remain suspended. “No time limit,” he added, claiming the pause could last “for a long time”.

‘Security first’ message grows stronger

The latest comments mark one of Trump’s most direct links yet between immigration policy and national security. Without offering a list of countries affected, he indicated the number could exceed 19. Trump singled out Somalia and other nations described as “unfriendly” or “out of control”, saying applicants coming from countries without strong law enforcement or stable governments would face deeper scrutiny.

“They shouldn’t be in our country,” he said, asserting that crime risks from certain regions were too high for the US to “frankly need”.

The White House has not released details on timelines or legal frameworks for the reported pause, but aides said the administration intends to place a heavy focus on security checks and tighter vetting methods as policies are revised across departments.

Guard personnel to be honoured

The shooting has brought the spotlight back to the National Guard. One of the two injured service members, 24-year-old Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, remains in critical condition after suffering severe wounds. The second, Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, died from her injuries. Trump said both would be recognised at the White House.

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem also made public remarks, describing Beckstrom’s death as a tragic outcome rooted in earlier immigration decisions. Lakanwal entered the US in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, an emergency relocation programme launched after the US military withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The incident has re-ignited political blame lines. Trump and senior officials have pointed to decisions made under former President Joe Biden, arguing that earlier border and resettlement systems lacked sufficient safeguards.

The Department of Homeland Security said asylum processing for Afghan nationals has been suspended indefinitely, pending a wider security review of immigration channels.