The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has announced an immediate halt to processing entry applications for citizens of Afghanistan.
In their statement, they indicated: “Processing of all immigration requests concerning Afghan citizens is suspended indefinitely pending further analysis of security protocols and vetting. We prioritize the protection and security of our country and the American people.”
This decision was made following a shooting that occurred near the White House, resulting in the deaths of two National Guard members and injuries to two servicemen (initial reports indicated that all had died). They are currently in critical condition in the hospital.
The detained shooter, who also sustained serious injuries, has been identified as 29-year-old Afghan Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who arrived in the U.S. in 2021. According to President Donald Trump, he entered the country under the “Welcome Allies” program launched by the Joe Biden administration, which allowed Afghan citizens to immigrate after the withdrawal of U.S. troops and the rise of the Taliban.
According to information from ABC News, Lakanwal applied for asylum last year and was expected to receive it in 2025, after Trump’s return to the White House.
Trump himself characterized the incident as a “terrorist act” and emphasized the need to vet all Afghan citizens who arrived in the U.S. during Biden's administration.
