Two days after a deadly attack on soldiers in Washington, the White House is overhauling its immigration policy. The UN and human rights groups say these new measures violate international law.
The US government has ordered immigration services to halt all final processing of asylum applications immediately.
Joseph Edlow is the head of the agency handling these cases. He justified the measure as necessary for stronger security screening, according to NPR.
Officials may continue reviewing applications, but cannot make a final decision—either approving or denying them. This administrative paralysis, meaning a stoppage of official action, affects thousands from all geographic origins.
UN Reminds Washington of Its Obligations
In Geneva, UN agencies responded sharply. The spokesperson for the human rights office said anyone fleeing persecution has a right to a fair review, as required by US-ratified international treaties.
The refugee agency also commented. Its spokesperson said countries under the 1951 Convention cannot close their doors to those seeking protection, NBC News reports. She added that most refugees integrate well into host countries.
American Legal Experts Push Back
Among legal professionals, concern is growing. The president of the immigration lawyers’ association expressed disagreement with the government’s approach in an interview with the BBC’s international service.
“Violence knows no borders or passports. A person can turn to extremism or suffer from mental health issues regardless of their country of origin.”
The Council on American-Islamic Relations said a logic of ‘collective guilt’ is incompatible with American democracy’s founding principles, according to NBC News.
A 20-Year-Old Soldier Killed
These measures follow a Wednesday shooting in the heart of the federal capital. Two West Virginia National Guard members were targeted just a few hundred meters from the White House.
Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old service member who enlisted in 2023, did not survive her injuries. According to CNN, she chose to remain on duty during the Thanksgiving holiday, so her fellow soldiers could be with their loved ones. Her father confirmed her death on social media, writing that his daughter had “gone to glory.”
Andrew Wolfe, 24, is in critical condition at the hospital. The governor of West Virginia said he is fighting for his life, CBS News reports.
A Shooter with a Complex Background
The suspected shooter is a 29-year-old Afghan who arrived in the US four years ago. He had worked with American intelligence services, joining operations against the Taliban with elite units.
According to ABC News, the man got refugee status last April after applying the year before. A former comrade described him to the New York Times as ‘athletic and cheerful,’ but noted psychological problems after service.
Investigators are still trying to determine the motive for this act. The FBI is looking into possible links to international terrorism, but has not reached a conclusion.
Unprecedented Immigration Crackdown
The American president has used this tragedy to announce an overhaul of admission policies. He posted on social media about a possible permanent halt to immigration from the least developed nations.
The administration has begun an audit of permanent residence permits for citizens of about twenty sensitive countries. According to Axios, these include several African states and nations in the Middle East and Central Asia.
Migrant advocacy groups expect legal battles. Human Rights First says these restrictions will harm the very vulnerable, according to Newsweek.
A Debate That Transcends American Borders
This crisis is part of a broader global context of questioning asylum rights. At the last UN General Assembly, American officials advocated revising international conventions on the matter, arguing that the current system had become obsolete.
The UN refugee agency head then warned against dismantling protections, saying asylum is a centuries-old civilizational achievement, according to Al Jazeera.
