President Donald Trump convened his ninth Cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning, using the high-profile gathering to underscore what he described as “historic accomplishments” by his administration while directing renewed attention toward national security, immigration enforcement, and travel restrictions. The meeting came at a critical moment, with new directives issued across several agencies following the deadly November 26 shooting involving two National Guard members in Washington, D.C.
Although much of the Cabinet meeting was closed to cameras, senior administration officials and individuals familiar with the agenda said the discussion centered heavily on border policy, immigration controls, and ongoing efforts to tighten national security vetting procedures.
A Cabinet Meeting Framed by Urgency
Tuesday’s session arrived just one week after a tragic ambush in the nation’s capital left one National Guard member dead and another injured. The assailant was identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan asylee who had been living in the United States for several years. His arrest quickly prompted a cascade of internal reviews and triggered immediate action from the Department of Homeland Security, the State Department, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Administration officials have portrayed the attack as a turning point—an event that revealed critical vulnerabilities in the immigration system and justified stronger action.
Sources indicated that Trump opened the meeting by referencing the attack and emphasizing the administration’s duty to “correct failures swiftly and decisively.” According to those present, Trump framed the incident as an example of why the U.S. must maintain strict entry protocols and reassess immigration programs that may no longer reflect current national security needs.
Push for Expanded Travel Restrictions
One of the most consequential policy matters discussed was the administration’s move toward what several officials described as a “full travel ban” on a number of countries identified as presenting elevated security risks. The policy discussion—already gaining momentum in recent months—accelerated rapidly after the D.C. shooting.
Under the existing framework, 19 countries are already subject to certain levels of travel restrictions, enhanced vetting, or limits on discretionary immigration benefits. The Cabinet meeting focused on whether these restrictions should be broadened into a more comprehensive ban affecting additional visa categories and government benefit processes.
While the administration has not yet released a finalized list of changes, personnel familiar with internal discussions said the White House is considering significant modifications. These could include suspending or limiting additional visa pathways, pausing entry for certain applicants awaiting clearance, and reviewing how humanitarian exemptions are administered.
Immediate Freeze on Afghan Immigration Benefits
In the days following the National Guard shooting, the State Department and USCIS implemented a temporary freeze on immigration benefit processing for Afghan nationals. The freeze applies not only to overseas visa applicants but also to Afghans already inside the United States awaiting decisions on residency, asylum, humanitarian parole, or other forms of protected status.
One particularly notable impact is the suspension of processing for Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs), a program designed for Afghans who provided assistance to U.S. military operations during the two-decade war in Afghanistan. While SIV applicants have long received priority due to the risks they face in their home country, the administration’s freeze temporarily halts this protection as all ongoing cases undergo review.
Officials stressed that the policy is not intended as a permanent action but rather a preventive measure to ensure that every case meets current national security standards. They did not specify how long the review might take or how many pending cases will be examined.
Green Card Review for 19 Countries
In addition to program-specific freezes, the administration ordered a comprehensive review of all green cards granted to individuals from the 19 countries currently covered by the travel ban. These countries include Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, and several others where terrorist organizations or hostile groups maintain significant influence.
The review is expected to scrutinize past decisions made under prior administrations—particularly the Biden administration—to determine whether any permanent residency approvals were granted without sufficient background checks, updated risk assessments, or corroborating documentation. The Department of Homeland Security has not provided estimates on how many cases may be re-evaluated, but senior officials confirmed that new guidelines are being drafted to standardize how “discretionary benefits” are processed across agencies.
This directive is likely to become one of the more far-reaching policy decisions made following the D.C. shooting, as it potentially affects thousands of residents whose cases could be reopened for further review.
Asylum System Temporarily Paused
Another major development emerging from the Cabinet discussions is the nationwide pause on affirmative asylum decisions. Asylum officers across the country were instructed late last week to temporarily halt approvals until new vetting procedures are finalized and implemented.
This directive does not halt the acceptance of asylum applications, nor does it affect defensive asylum claims made in immigration court. However, it prevents the issuance of final approvals while agencies update protocols, databases, and interagency communication practices.
According to sources, the decision to pause approvals reflects growing concern inside DHS that insufficient information-sharing between agencies may allow gaps in screening processes. Officials said the update will place increased emphasis on cross-agency data access, biometric verification, and third-country intelligence cooperation.
Trump Highlights Broader Administrative Record
Beyond the immediate security concerns, Trump also used the Cabinet meeting to highlight what he described as significant achievements of his administration’s current term. He pointed to reductions in illegal border crossings, expanded enforcement operations, and what the administration views as streamlined national security protocols.
Sources present said Trump praised his national security team for “moving fast and staying decisive” and emphasized that protecting Americans remains the “cornerstone” of his presidency.
While the meeting addressed multiple long-term projects—such as border infrastructure, deportation priorities, and interagency coordination—the overarching theme was the rapid response to the National Guard attack and the administration’s intention to prevent similar incidents.
Broader Impact on Immigration Policy
Legal experts say the administration’s rapid policy shifts could have significant long-term impacts on immigration processing across multiple agencies. The combined effect of a visa freeze, asylum pause, and green card review may slow the system considerably in the short term.
Critics argue that broad freezes risk harming vulnerable populations—such as SIV applicants who assisted American forces—while supporters contend the changes are necessary to address security vulnerabilities that could otherwise be exploited by bad actors.
Either way, the decisions signal that the administration is preparing for a more assertive federal posture on immigration and national security heading into the coming year.
What Happens Next
Agencies are expected to roll out updated guidance over the next several weeks. The White House is also preparing to release a formal policy statement outlining the next phase of the travel ban expansion, which may include revised criteria for high-risk countries.
For now, senior officials say the administration remains focused on tightening screening processes and ensuring that every entry point to the United States reflects the latest intelligence and security requirements.
As the aftermath of the November 26 attack continues to unfold, Tuesday’s high-stakes Cabinet meeting reinforces that immigration and national security policy will remain top priorities for the administration in the months ahead.