The State Department has paused all visa issuance for individuals traveling on Afghan passports, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on X.

"The United States has no higher priority than protecting our nation and our people," Rubio wrote, reposting an announcement from the State Department.

"The Department is taking all necessary steps to protect U.S. national security and public safety," the department wrote.

Newsweek reached out to the State Department by submission form outside of normal business hours on Friday evening for further comment.

Why It Matters

The decision follows the fatal shooting of West Virginia National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and the shooting of Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe by Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who came to the U.S. in 2021 under the

See Full Page