WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Trump administration has issued a directive to pause all asylum decisions following the shooting of two National Guard soldiers in the U.S. capital earlier this week. The move has left asylum seekers and immigration attorneys uncertain about the status of pending cases.
The shooting occurred while the soldiers were providing assistance in Washington, D.C. Authorities responded quickly, and investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances of the attack. The incident has heightened security concerns in the city and drawn attention to the risks faced by National Guard members deployed to assist local law enforcement.
Immigration advocates warn that the pause adds uncertainty to an already lengthy and complex process. Many individuals who fled persecution and violence abroad now face an indefinite wait for decisions on their asylum applications. The administration has not specified how long the halt will last or whether it applies to all cases or specific categories.
As the investigation into the shooting continues, officials are expected to reassess the situation, while asylum seekers remain in legal limbo.