The US State Department has paused all visa processing for Afghan nationals, including those applying for Special Immigrant Visas. A new cable ordered diplomats to immediately reject Afghan visa applications.

This comes as the Trump administration tightens its immigration enforcement after a recent shooting involving a former Afghan commando. Officials say the pause is needed to verify identities, but groups supporting Afghan allies call it an attempt to block all Afghans from entering the country.

Even approved visas will be canceled or destroyed. Around 265000 Afghans are still waiting in the pipeline. Many are now worried about their future and feel abandoned after years of helping US forces.