Afghan Asylum Seekers Fear for Safety After D.C. Shooting Fallout

UPDATE: Fear grips Afghan asylum seekers on Long Island following a shocking shooting incident in Washington, D.C. that targeted National Guard members. The attack, involving an Afghan national, has intensified scrutiny and prompted urgent action from the Trump administration, reigniting a fierce national debate on immigration policies.

Last week’s shooting has led to an immediate review of all Afghans with green cards in the U.S., leaving many in a state of panic. The administration’s announcement includes a pause on all asylum decisions and an indefinite halt on applications from Afghan nationals, leaving individuals like Rumi, a 30-year-old Uber driver residing in Nassau County, in legal limbo.

“I feel so bad…I feel no safety,” Rumi told Eyewitness News, expressing his fear and desperation. He served as a contractor for the U.S. military in Kabul, risking his life to secure police vehicles against the Taliban. Rumi was granted Special Immigrant Visa Status, but fled to the U.S. in 2023, before receiving it. “I lost my life. I lost my everything,” he lamented.

Immigration advocates are sounding the alarm on the impact of the D.C. shooting. Melanie Creps from the CARECEN Immigration Center describes the situation as “beyond heartbreaking,” emphasizing the trauma faced by those who once helped the U.S. government. “He wanted the U.S. to be a homecoming. And now he’s facing fear and hostility,” Creps said.

The implications of these policy shifts are severe. Advocates highlight that the backlog in immigration courts has reached unprecedented levels, with applicants waiting two to ten years for decisions. Alexander Holtzman from Hofstra Law School warns that the recent crackdown is more than just a setback; it feels like “blunt force trauma” to vulnerable communities.

Rumi’s story exemplifies the dire circumstances many Afghans now confront. “If the government were to force me to go back, I would want to die,” he said, fearing retribution from the Taliban. His case reflects a broader concern among thousands of Afghans who supported U.S. efforts and now face an uncertain future.

As the situation develops, advocates urge the community to stand in solidarity with Afghan immigrants. The government’s response will be crucial in determining whether their sacrifices will be honored or forgotten.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, as the fear among immigrant communities mounts. For those affected, the question remains: will America uphold its promise to protect those who served alongside its forces?

Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent issue as it unfolds.