On November 26, 2025, a tragic shooting in Washington, D.C., resulted in the death of National Guard soldier Sarah Beckstrom and left another soldier critically injured. The incident occurred at approximately 14:15 at the intersection of 17th and I NW streets, just a short distance from the White House. The suspect, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, prompted immediate responses from authorities regarding immigration policies affecting green card holders and asylum seekers.
Following the shooting, Donald Trump and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a series of stringent measures aimed at adjusting immigration procedures. The changes come as part of an effort to enhance national security, particularly in the wake of the suspect’s background. The USCIS confirmed that all immigration applications related to Afghan citizens would be suspended indefinitely pending a thorough review of security protocols.
New Immigration Policies Introduced
The new immigration policies include several significant restrictions that will affect green card holders and asylum applicants from various countries considered to pose security concerns. According to USCIS Director Joseph Edlow, there will be a rigorous reexamination of every Green Card issued to migrants from these nations, which include:
– Afghanistan
– Myanmar
– Chad
– Republic of the Congo
– Equatorial Guinea
– Eritrea
– Haiti
– Iran
– Libya
– Somalia
– Sudan
– Yemen
– Burundi
– Cuba
– Laos
– Sierra Leone
– Togo
– Turkmenistan
– Venezuela
In addition, the review of asylum applications has been halted until each case undergoes a thorough inspection. This suspension will affect all asylum requests, including those initiated under the Biden administration’s resettlement initiative, according to reports from CBS News.
Financial Implications for Immigrants
The financial ramifications of these new measures extend beyond immigration procedures. Scott Bessent, the U.S. Treasury Secretary, announced a reduction in tax benefits for immigrants with irregular status. The government is urging financial institutions to remain vigilant against suspicious financial activities linked to undocumented immigrants, which are perceived as potential threats to national security.
In a related initiative, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) will increase monitoring of cross-border money transfers, including remittances. This step aims to enhance scrutiny over financial transactions that may involve undocumented immigrants, further tightening the existing immigration framework.
The shooting incident and subsequent policy changes have left many green card holders and asylum seekers in a state of uncertainty. The implications of these measures could have a profound impact on families and individuals seeking refuge or a new life in the United States.
As the situation develops, the focus remains on the balance between ensuring national security and upholding the rights of those seeking a better future in America. The recent announcement marks a significant shift in immigration policy, reflecting the government’s response to security concerns raised by recent events.