US Halts Afghan Immigration Applications Following White House Shooting
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the suspension of all immigration application processing for Afghan nationals following a recent armed attack by an Afghan citizen near the White House.
The decision comes after Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, opened fire on members of the U.S. National Guard in a targeted attack on Wednesday in Washington, D.C.
In a statement, USCIS said, “Protecting the American people and the security of our homeland remains our fundamental and non-negotiable mission.” The freeze comes amid mounting criticism of the former U.S. administration’s vetting procedures for Afghan refugees.
J.D. Vance, Vice President under current U.S. President Donald Trump, referenced the incident to call for intensified efforts to deport individuals who, in his words, “should not be in America.” He stated, “First, we will bring the attacker to justice, then we will double down on deporting unworthy individuals.”
Meanwhile, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem referred to the attacker as a “corrupt element” and insisted that his asylum status should be revoked. She added that the individual had been brought to the United States under the “Welcome to Allies” program, initiated after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
Separately, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham warned Americans that their security and well-being come at a price. Congressman Tim Burchett also accused the Biden administration of indifference, claiming that even an accurate count of Afghan arrivals is unavailable.
The current wave of criticism in the U.S., particularly from Republican circles, signals growing pressure on the Afghan immigrant community following recent security incidents. The situation has raised significant concerns about tightening restrictions on Afghan asylum seekers, many of whom are still waiting for legal residency status in the United States.
