Trump Administration Halts Afghan Immigration After Shooting Incident

URGENT UPDATE: Federal immigration authorities have just announced a significant pause on all immigration applications from Afghan nationals following a shooting incident in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirmed that processing is halted indefinitely as of now, pending a thorough review of security and vetting protocols.

The decision comes in the wake of the identification of the suspected shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who entered the U.S. in 2021 under the Biden administration’s Operation Allies Welcome. The shooting injured two members of the National Guard, and Lakanwal is currently in custody after being shot during the incident.

In a statement, President Trump emphasized the need for a reevaluation of the vetting process for Afghan nationals, stating, “We must now reexamine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden.” This remark underscores the heightened scrutiny Afghan immigrants are now facing amid safety concerns.

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that Lakanwal was among the tens of thousands of Afghans airlifted to safety as the U.S. concluded its two-decade military engagement in Afghanistan. In total, over 85,000 Afghans have been settled in the U.S. under Operation Allies Welcome, many of whom initially stayed at military bases before being processed and relocated.

The immigration pause has immediate implications for Afghan citizens who are still navigating the complex U.S. immigration system. Many of them arrived on Special Immigration Visas due to their service with U.S. forces, while others sought asylum or temporary protections. However, significant backlogs have plagued these processes, leaving many in precarious situations without clear paths to permanent residency.

While bipartisan support exists for aiding Afghans who assisted U.S. military efforts, skepticism remains regarding the thoroughness of their vetting. Some Republican officials have publicly questioned whether the protocols were stringent enough, reflecting ongoing tensions in the immigration debate.

Following the shooting, the nonprofit group AfghanEvac condemned the violence but urged against blaming the broader Afghan community. President Shawn VanDiver stated, “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.”

This situation is developing rapidly, and the implications of the immigration pause are significant. It is crucial for Afghan nationals and their advocates to monitor updates closely, as changes in policy can affect thousands of individuals seeking safety in the U.S.

As this story unfolds, the focus remains on the safety of all parties involved and the urgent need for a robust and fair immigration system that honors the sacrifices of Afghan allies. Stay tuned for further updates as authorities continue to review the immigration process in light of this incident.