US Halts All Visas for Afghan Nationals a Day After Trump Announces Permanent Ban on Third-World Immigration
Washington/New Delhi , November 29, 2025:
A day after U.S. President Donald Trump declared a permanent shutdown of immigration from all “third-world countries,” his administration has taken its first decisive step by suspending all visas for Afghan passport holders. The U.S. State Department confirmed the move on Saturday (IST), signalling a stricter immigration regime under the new policy.
The State Department stated on social media that visa issuance for Afghan nationals has been halted “with immediate effect”, adding that the administration is taking every measure to ensure the security of American citizens. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that national security is America’s foremost priority.
This development follows a heated debate sparked by a recent attack near the White House, in which two National Guard members were killed by Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who had entered the U.S. in 2021. Although former President Joe Biden had introduced a humanitarian programme for Afghans, records show that Lakanwal received asylum during Trump’s own tenure.
A day earlier, Trump had announced that immigration from all third-world nations would be permanently closed, and that non-citizens would no longer receive government benefits. The administration has also indicated that green cards of citizens from 19 countries, including Afghanistan, will be reviewed.
