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US Government Initiates Comprehensive Review of Green Cards from Select Nations
In response to a recent fatal shooting in Washington, DC, the United States government has announced a thorough reassessment of all green cards issued to immigrants originating from 19 designated countries. This move aims to enhance national security by scrutinizing individuals from nations identified as “countries of concern.”
Background of the Incident Prompting the Review
The catalyst for this policy shift was the tragic incident involving Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan immigrant who allegedly killed two National Guard members in the nation’s capital. Lakanwal, who had previously collaborated with US agencies including the CIA, arrived in the US in 2021 under the Biden administration’s “Operation Allies Welcome” initiative and was granted asylum in April 2025.
Scope and Details of the Green Card Reexamination
Joe Edlow, the director of US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), announced via social media platform X that the agency will conduct an exhaustive and meticulous review of every green card issued to individuals from the specified countries. This process will evaluate various risk factors, including the reliability of identity documentation issued by these countries.
The 19 countries under scrutiny include Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
Additional Immigration Policy Adjustments and Security Measures
Alongside the green card review, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has suspended all Afghan immigration applications indefinitely while reassessing security and vetting procedures. This review extends to all asylum cases approved during the Biden administration, reflecting a broader tightening of immigration controls.
Community and Political Reactions
The Alliance of Afghan Communities in the US cautioned against collective punishment, emphasizing that over 190,000 Afghans have lawfully resettled in the country since 2021 and should not be stigmatized due to the actions of an individual.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump criticized the current administration, asserting that the incident exposed significant vulnerabilities in national security. He advocated for a comprehensive reassessment of immigrants from Afghanistan and other high-risk countries to prevent potential threats.
Broader Implications for US Immigration Policy
This green card review is part of a wider shift in US immigration strategy, which also includes new deportation agreements with countries such as Honduras and Uganda. These agreements facilitate the return of migrants who are not nationals of the countries through which they traveled, aiming to streamline immigration enforcement and enhance border security.
Current Context and Future Outlook
As of mid-2025, the US continues to grapple with balancing humanitarian commitments and national security concerns. The ongoing review and policy adjustments reflect efforts to refine immigration processes while addressing emerging threats. Experts suggest that these measures could lead to more stringent vetting protocols and potentially impact the pace of immigration from the listed countries.
