November 28

Trump administration halts all asylum decisions, freezing 2.2 million cases

Following the shooting of two National Guard members by an Afghan national near the White House, USCIS ordered adjudicators to stop issuing final decisions on all 1.5 million affirmative asylum applications. Combined with immigration court cases, the freeze affected approximately 2.2 million people awaiting decisions. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow directed a 90-day review. The move came alongside a broader crackdown targeting nationals from 19 countries.

China agrees to purchase 25 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans annually in 2026-2028

China agrees to purchase at least 25 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans annually in 2026, 2027, and 2028 as part of the long-term trade agreement. The multi-year commitment provides stability for American soybean farmers and represents China's ongoing commitment to agricultural trade with the United States.

National Guard Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, dies after shooting near the White House

U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, of the West Virginia National Guard's 863rd Military Police Company, died from gunshot wounds sustained November 26 near Farragut West metro station, two blocks from the White House. A second guardsman, Andrew Wolfe, 24, remained critically wounded. Beckstrom had served since June 2023. President Trump announced her death and invited both families to the White House.

Congress creates the HOME Investment Partnerships Program

President George H.W. Bush signed the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act, creating the HOME Investment Partnerships Program — the largest federal block grant exclusively dedicated to affordable housing. HOME gave states and localities flexible funding to build, buy, and rehabilitate affordable rental housing and assist first-time homebuyers. The program established participating jurisdictions, community housing development organizations, and required 25% local matching funds.