The US has suspended the processing of all immigration requests for Afghan nationals pending a review of "security and vetting protocols", the US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced.
In a post on X, the agency said: "The protection and safety of our homeland and of the American people remains our singular focus and mission."
The decision comes after two National Guard soldiers were critically injured in a shooting near the White House. The alleged gunman was an Afghan national who entered the US in September 2021.
US President Donald Trump said the attack was an "act of terror", adding that he would take steps to remove foreigners "from any country who does not belong here".
Tens of thousands of Afghans entered the US under special immigration protections following the chaotic US withdrawal from the country in 2021 under former President Joe Biden.
