Washington DC, United States – The U.S. government has temporarily suspended visa applications from 19 countries, including Somalia. This move was announced on Wednesday after the fatal shooting of two National Guard soldiers in Washington last week.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services halted asylum procedures last Friday. Agency Director Joseph Edlow stated the suspension is required to enhance vetting of foreign nationals.
The affected countries include Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, Sierra Leone, Togo, Equatorial Guinea, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Somalia, Libya, Burundi, Yemen, Iran, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Laos. Some featured in prior travel restrictions under President Donald Trump.
The decision aligns with President Trump’s escalated criticism of Somali immigrants in Minnesota, where he voiced opposition to migrants from East Africa and claimed they fail to contribute to the country.
U.S. authorities have raised concerns over potential enforcement actions against undocumented immigrants in Minneapolis and St. Paul, heightening fears in local immigrant communities.
