Trump Administration Halts Afghan Immigration After Shooting Incident

URGENT UPDATE: Federal immigration authorities have just announced a suspension of all immigration requests from Afghan nationals following a shooting incident that left two National Guard members injured in Washington, D.C.. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirmed this decision is effective immediately and will remain in place indefinitely as they review security and vetting protocols.

The decision came shortly after the Department of Homeland Security identified the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who entered the United States in 2021 under the Biden administration’s Operation Allies Welcome. Lakanwal was apprehended after an exchange of gunfire with a National Guard member, leading to his hospitalization and custody.

In response to the shooting, former President Donald Trump called for a comprehensive review of all Afghan immigrants who entered the U.S. under the Biden initiative. “We must now reexamine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden,” Trump stated, insisting on the removal of individuals who do not benefit the nation.

This shocking incident raises immediate concerns regarding the safety and vetting of Afghan immigrants, as the U.S. military evacuated tens of thousands during the tumultuous end of the war in Afghanistan in 2021. Over 85,000 Afghans were resettled in the U.S. under Operation Allies Welcome, facing a complex immigration landscape. Many qualified for Special Immigration Visas, while others sought asylum or temporary protections.

Despite support from various political factions for assisting those who aided U.S. forces, skepticism over the adequacy of the vetting process has persisted among some Republican lawmakers. The Trump administration recently terminated temporary protected status for Afghans, affecting around 8,000 individuals.

Nonprofit organization AfghanEvac condemned the shooting, urging the public not to generalize the actions of one individual to the broader Afghan community. “Those who would twist this moment to attack Afghan families aren’t seeking safety or justice — they’re exploiting division and endangering all of us,” said AfghanEvac President Shawn VanDiver.

The implications of this immigration pause are profound, impacting countless families who have already faced significant challenges since their arrival. As security reviews unfold, Afghan nationals in the U.S. now find their futures uncertain, with many left in precarious situations without a clear pathway to permanent residency.

The situation is developing rapidly, and further updates are expected as authorities continue to assess the implications of this shooting and the subsequent immigration policy changes. Stay tuned for more information on this urgent matter.