Trump Admin. Suspends Afghan Immigration After D.C. Shooting

URGENT UPDATE: The Trump administration has just announced a major pause on immigration applications from Afghan nationals following a shooting incident that left two National Guard members injured in Washington, D.C. This decision, confirmed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), halts all processing of immigration requests related to Afghans indefinitely, effective immediately.

The announcement comes after authorities identified Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the suspect in the shooting, as an Afghan national who entered the U.S. in 2021 under the Biden-era initiative known as Operation Allies Welcome. Lakanwal is currently in custody after being shot by a Guard member during the incident. This shocking event has raised immediate security concerns within the Biden administration and among lawmakers.

In response to the shooting, President Trump stated, “We must now reexamine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden.” He emphasized the need for stringent measures to remove any individual who does not contribute positively to the nation. This sentiment echoes long-standing Republican concerns regarding the vetting processes for Afghan refugees.

The situation is particularly alarming as the U.S. military evacuated tens of thousands from Afghanistan in 2021 during the chaotic withdrawal from the country, with over 85,000 Afghans resettled in the U.S. under Operation Allies Welcome. Many of these individuals were military interpreters or had worked closely with U.S. forces, often facing threats of retaliation from the Taliban.

Despite bipartisan support for aiding those who assisted U.S. troops, a portion of Republican officials have raised doubts about the thoroughness of the vetting processes. This incident has intensified scrutiny, leading to the immediate suspension of immigration processes for Afghan nationals, placing thousands in limbo.

The nonprofit organization AfghanEvac condemned the shooting while urging the public not to vilify the Afghan community based on the actions of one individual. 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.” He highlighted that immigrants from Afghanistan undergo some of the most rigorous security checks of any group entering the U.S.

As this situation develops, the implications for Afghan nationals seeking refuge in the U.S. could be significant. The suspension affects individuals who applied for Special Immigration Visas, asylum, and other forms of immigration relief. Many of these individuals are already in precarious positions, having received temporary protections such as humanitarian parole.

The Trump administration’s abrupt halt to Afghan immigration applications underscores a growing divide in U.S. immigration policy and raises critical questions about the future of Afghan refugees in America. As authorities review security protocols, what happens next remains uncertain.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds and more information becomes available.