US Suspends Afghan Immigration Requests After White House Shooting, Citing Security Concerns and Vetting Protocol Review

US Suspends Afghan Immigration Processing Amid Security Review After White House Shooting

The United States has enacted an immediate suspension on the processing of all immigration requests for Afghan nationals. This significant policy shift was announced by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which stated that the decision comes as authorities initiate a comprehensive review of existing security and vetting protocols. The agency underscored its commitment, declaring that "The protection and safety of our homeland and of the American people remains our singular focus and mission."

White House Shooting Prompts Policy Change

This critical policy alteration directly follows a harrowing incident near the White House, where two National Guard soldiers sustained critical injuries in a shooting. Law enforcement sources, including the BBC's US partner CBS, identified the alleged perpetrator as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national.

Lakanwal reportedly entered the U.S. in September 2021 under the "Operation Allies Welcome" program. This initiative was established to facilitate the entry of tens of thousands of Afghans following the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan earlier that year under former President Joe Biden's administration.

President Trump's Strong Response

In the aftermath of the attack, former US President Donald Trump unequivocally labeled the incident an "act of terror." He swiftly declared intentions to take stringent measures, including the removal of any foreign nationals deemed not to belong in the country. Trump further emphasized the necessity to "reexamine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden's leadership."

Context of Previous Immigration Policies

This latest suspension builds upon previous immigration restrictions impacting Afghan nationals during Trump's presidency. Earlier this year, President Trump had already imposed a travel ban affecting Afghanistan and eleven other nations. While sweeping, this ban included certain exemptions, notably for Afghan nationals holding Special Immigration Visas (SIVs), typically granted to those who provided direct assistance to the US military before the Taliban regained control in 2021.

Additionally, Trump previously terminated a temporary protected status (TPS) program that shielded thousands of Afghans from deportation and allowed them work permits, citing unsafe conditions in their home country due to conflict. The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan remains dire, with reports highlighting the Taliban's imposition of strict regulations, such as mandating burkas for women to access essential services like hospitals.