U.S. Suspends All Asylum Decisions and Afghan Visas Amid Security Concerns

The **U.S. government** is the national governing authority of the United States, structured by the U.S. Constitution into three coequal branches: **legislative**, **executive**, and **judicial**. This tripartite system ensures a balance of power through checks and balances, preventing any single branch from becoming too powerful[1][2]. Established in 1789, its foundational framework remains in continuous effect, guiding the federal government’s operations and authority across the nation and its territories[2]. The **legislative branch**, embodied by the bicameral Congress (House of Representatives and Senate), enacts laws, controls federal spending, and provides oversight of the executive branch[2]. The **executive branch**, led by the President and supported by the Vice President, Cabinet, and federal agencies, enforces laws, manages national defense, diplomacy, and domestic policy[1][4]. The **judicial branch**, headed by the Supreme Court and lower federal courts, interprets laws and their constitutionality, ensuring legal consistency and protecting civil rights[1][2]. Historically, the U.S. government has been pivotal in shaping modern democracy, pioneering a constitutional republic that enshrines freedoms such as speech, religion, and due process through the Bill of Rights[3]. Its achievements include establishing a stable political system, advancing technology and innovation through federal initiatives, and maintaining global leadership in economic and technological sectors. Currently, the U.S. government continues to evolve, adapting to contemporary challenges like cybersecurity, digital governance, and regulatory reforms impacting business and technology. It oversees large-scale federal programs, supports innovation ecosystems, and enforces regulations affecting technology markets and privacy[6]. Notably, its structure supports a dynamic interface between federal and state powers, alongside recognition of Indigenous tribal sovereignty[2]. In business and technology contexts, the U.S. government is a major regulator, market influencer, and funder of research, maintaining transparency and accountability through public resources like Go

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is a key agency within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responsible for administering the nation’s immigration and naturalization system. USCIS oversees the adjudication of immigration petitions and applications, including visas, permanent residency (green cards), asylum requests, and citizenship. It provides essential services such as interviews, naturalization ceremonies, and case status updates through an extensive network of domestic and international offices[1][3][5]. USCIS was established in 2003, following the creation of DHS, as part of a major government reorganization to enhance immigration enforcement and service delivery. Unlike most federal agencies, USCIS is primarily funded by user fees collected through the Immigration Examinations Fee Account, with limited congressional appropriations, reflecting its operational model based on service fees rather than tax revenue[1]. A notable achievement of USCIS is its role in managing the complex U.S. immigration system under the Immigration and Nationality Act, which annually processes hundreds of thousands of immigrant petitions and naturalization applications. The agency has implemented digital tools such as an online case status checker and self-service forms to improve applicant interaction and transparency. It also schedules appointments and manages inquiries through its website, enhancing accessibility for applicants and petitioners worldwide[1][2]. Recently, USCIS’s authority expanded in 2025 when DHS created a class of special agent officers with enhanced law enforcement powers to investigate and prosecute immigration violations, reflecting a shift toward a more militarized enforcement posture within the agency[1]. USCIS operates within a complex legal and political environment, balancing its role in facilitating legal immigration and protecting national security. Its activities directly impact millions of immigrants and U.S. citizens, making it a critical agency for business, technology, and humanitarian interests alike.

The **U.S. Department of State** is the principal federal agency responsible for shaping and executing American foreign policy and diplomacy worldwide. Established in 1789 as the first executive department, it serves as the lead institution for conducting U.S. international relations, advising the President, negotiating treaties, and representing the country in global organizations such as the United Nations[2][3][6]. The department is headed by the Secretary of State, who acts as the President’s chief foreign policy advisor and top diplomat, currently Marco Rubio as of 2025[2]. The State Department's core mission is to **promote and protect U.S. interests abroad** by fostering peace and stability in critical regions, opening foreign markets to create American jobs, and addressing global challenges like climate change, terrorism, nuclear proliferation, human trafficking, and humanitarian crises[1][4]. It manages a vast network of embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions worldwide, safeguarding American citizens overseas and facilitating international cooperation on economic, security, and environmental issues[5]. A key component closely linked to the State Department is the **U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)**, created in 1961 to administer economic and humanitarian assistance to developing countries. USAID works to end extreme poverty, promote democracy, improve global health, food security, environmental sustainability, and humanitarian relief, aligning its programs with the State Department’s foreign policy goals[1]. With an annual budget of around $38.8 billion in fiscal year 2024, the State Department plays a critical role not only in diplomacy but also in advancing technological collaboration, international trade, and global health initiatives, making it highly relevant for business and technology sectors interested in geopolitical stability and international partnerships[3]. Notable programs include the Professional Fellows exchange, fostering cross-cultural professional development between U.S. and foreign leaders, highlighting the department’s role in building long-term global partnerships[2]. The State Department continues to adapt in an era of rapi