BREAKING: Federal immigration authorities have just announced an indefinite pause on processing requests from Afghan nationals following a shooting incident involving a suspected Afghan immigrant in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services confirmed that all immigration applications relating to Afghan nationals are halted effective immediately as security and vetting protocols undergo further review.
The shooting, which occurred on Wednesday, left two National Guard members injured. The alleged shooter, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered the U.S. in 2021 under the Biden administration’s Operation Allies Welcome. He was subsequently apprehended after being shot by a Guard member.
This urgent development comes as the Department of Homeland Security publicly identified Lakanwal as the suspect, prompting immediate scrutiny over the vetting processes for Afghan immigrants. In a statement, officials emphasized the need to reassess the security protocols for individuals entering the U.S. from Afghanistan, particularly those admitted under previous administrations.
Former President Donald Trump has weighed in, stating: “We must now reexamine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden.” He called for stringent measures to ensure the removal of any individual deemed a threat.
Since the chaotic evacuation of Afghanistan in 2021, over 85,000 Afghans have been resettled in the U.S., many under the Special Immigration Visa program. However, this program has faced severe backlogs, leaving many Afghans in precarious legal situations.
The humanitarian crisis for those fleeing Taliban retribution remains critical. Many Afghan nationals have sought asylum or temporary protections, yet uncertainties persist regarding their pathways to permanent residency.
The nonprofit group AfghanEvac condemned the shooting and urged the public not to generalize the actions of one individual to the entire Afghan community. AfghanEvac 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.”
Political leaders from both parties have expressed support for Afghans who assisted U.S. forces, but doubts remain about the adequacy of security screening processes. The Biden administration has assured that all individuals underwent thorough vetting before entering the country.
As this situation develops, it raises crucial questions about U.S. immigration policy and the future of Afghan nationals seeking refuge. The implications of this pause on immigration processing are profound, potentially impacting thousands of lives already vulnerable due to the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan.
Stay tuned for updates as this urgent situation unfolds.