Washington, D.C.: The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has paused all immigration processing for Afghan nationals pending a review of security and vetting procedures, following a shooting near the White House that left two National Guard soldiers critically injured.
In a statement on X, the agency said: “The protection and safety of our homeland and of the American people remains our singular focus and mission.”
The alleged shooter, identified by multiple law enforcement sources as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, entered the US in September 2021 under the Operation Allies Welcome program, which allowed tens of thousands of Afghans to migrate following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.
US President Donald Trump called the attack an “act of terror” and said he would take measures to remove foreigners “from any country who does not belong here.” He also stated that the US must now reexamine all Afghan nationals admitted under the Biden-era immigration program.
The move adds to previous restrictions: earlier this year, Trump imposed a travel ban on nationals from Afghanistan and 11 other countries. Afghan nationals holding Special Immigration Visas (SIVs)—granted to those who worked directly with the US military before the Taliban’s return—were among a few exceptions to such bans.
Additionally, the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program, which allowed Afghan migrants to work in the US when it was deemed unsafe to return home, was ended earlier this year, affecting thousands.
The USCIS review aims to strengthen vetting protocols and ensure the safety of US citizens, while authorities continue investigations into the White House shooting.
