Trump Admin. Halts Afghan Immigration Requests After Shooting

UPDATE: Federal immigration authorities have just announced an immediate suspension of immigration applications from Afghan nationals following a shocking shooting incident involving a man recently identified as the suspect. Two National Guard members were injured in the attack in Washington, D.C., prompting urgent action to review security protocols.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services confirmed this significant decision in a statement released on Wednesday, stating that the “processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals is stopped indefinitely pending further review.” This announcement follows the identification of the shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who entered the U.S. in 2021 under the Biden administration’s Operation Allies Welcome initiative.

The shooting occurred shortly before the Department of Homeland Security disclosed that Lakanwal had been taken into custody after he was shot by a National Guard member during the incident. This alarming event raises critical concerns about the vetting processes for Afghan immigrants, especially as tensions around immigration policy heighten.

In response to the shooting, former President Donald Trump made a statement, insisting, “We must now reexamine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden.” He emphasized the need for rigorous measures to ensure the safety of American citizens.

Since the U.S. military’s evacuation of tens of thousands from Afghanistan in 2021, over 85,000 Afghans have been resettled in the U.S. Many were granted Special Immigration Visas due to their roles as interpreters, while others sought asylum or temporary protected status. However, the Trump administration ended temporary protected status for Afghans in July 2023, affecting approximately 8,000 enrollees and leaving many in precarious situations without clear pathways to permanent residency.

The Biden administration has consistently asserted that Afghan entrants underwent thorough security vetting before arriving in the U.S. However, some Republican officials have voiced ongoing concerns about the adequacy of these vetting measures.

In a statement following the shooting, the nonprofit organization AfghanEvac condemned the attack but urged the public not to generalize or vilify the Afghan community. AfghanEvac President Shawn VanDiver remarked, “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.”

As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen how this pause in immigration applications will impact the Afghan community in the U.S. and those still seeking refuge. Authorities are expected to provide updates on the review process and any changes to policies affecting Afghan nationals in the coming days.

Stay tuned for further developments on this urgent and pressing issue.