US Suspends Afghan Immigration After White House Shooting

Published: 27 November 2025 Thursday. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

The United States has temporarily suspended the processing of all immigration requests for Afghan nationals, following a review of “security and vetting protocols” in the wake of a shooting that critically injured two National Guard soldiers near the White House. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the halt in processing on its official social media channels, emphasizing that “the protection and safety of our homeland and of the American people remains our singular focus and mission.”

The suspension follows an incident in which a 29-year-old Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, allegedly opened fire near the White House, seriously injuring two National Guard personnel. The alleged gunman, who reportedly entered the United States in September 2021, was part of a wave of tens of thousands of Afghans who arrived under special immigration protections following the chaotic US military withdrawal from Afghanistan.

President Donald Trump described the attack as an “act of terror” and vowed to tighten immigration scrutiny, stating that the United States would take immediate steps to remove “foreigners from any country who do not belong here.” In a subsequent statement, Trump further explained that the US would now “reexamine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden,” signaling a significant shift in immigration policy for Afghan nationals.

The suspension affects all Afghan nationals seeking visas, green cards, or other forms of legal immigration under existing programmes, including Special Immigration Visas (SIVs) that were granted to those who worked directly with the US military before the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan. Under previous programmes, SIV recipients were exempt from several travel and immigration bans and were allowed to settle in the US with work permits and other benefits.

This latest policy comes on top of a travel ban implemented earlier this year, which prohibited entry from Afghanistan and 11 other countries. While Afghan nationals were initially among the few exceptions under certain temporary protections, the recent shooting has prompted US authorities to reconsider the security implications of existing immigration arrangements.

Legal experts warn that the suspension could have long-lasting consequences for Afghan migrants who are already resettled or waiting for approval. Tens of thousands of individuals rely on SIVs and temporary protected status (TPS) for employment, housing, and access to basic services in the United States. The abrupt halt in processing has raised concerns among advocacy groups about the welfare and legal status of these communities.

Operation Allies Welcome, the programme responsible for the evacuation of Afghan nationals after the 2021 military withdrawal, facilitated the safe passage of thousands who had supported the US mission in Afghanistan. While the programme was designed to protect vulnerable individuals, critics argue that gaps in vetting processes may have allowed security risks to enter the country. In response, USCIS and other federal agencies are reviewing protocols to strengthen background checks and security screenings for current and future applicants.

Multiple law enforcement sources identified Rahmanullah Lakanwal as the alleged gunman. CBS News, a US media partner of the BBC, reported that Lakanwal entered the US in 2021 and had previously been granted temporary protections under Operation Allies Welcome. According to authorities, the suspect was apprehended without further incident, and investigations are ongoing to determine the motive and whether additional individuals may be involved.

The temporary suspension of Afghan immigration has sparked reactions from across the political spectrum. Supporters of stricter immigration controls have praised the move as necessary to safeguard national security, while critics have argued that it unfairly punishes thousands of law-abiding Afghan nationals who pose no threat. Human rights organisations have warned that the policy risks stranding vulnerable individuals who fled conflict and persecution in their home country.

Immigration advocacy groups have urged the US government to balance security concerns with humanitarian obligations. “We must ensure that national security is maintained, but this suspension should not become a blanket denial of rights for those who have risked their lives to work alongside the United States,” said one spokesperson from an Afghan refugee advocacy organisation. Many Afghan families have expressed fear and uncertainty about their legal status and access to essential services while the review continues.

The US government has also faced pressure to provide clarity and timelines for the review. Federal officials have indicated that they will assess current vetting procedures, security protocols, and potential vulnerabilities in immigration processes before resuming approvals. Meanwhile, individuals currently in the United States on temporary or protected status have been advised to maintain their records and await official guidance from USCIS.

Trump’s statements following the incident highlight the administration’s broader stance on immigration, particularly from countries with ongoing conflicts or perceived security risks. While the policy specifically targets Afghan nationals in this case, it reflects an increased scrutiny of immigration programmes that were initiated under previous administrations, particularly those designed to assist evacuees and refugees.

This decision underscores the complex intersection of national security, immigration policy, and humanitarian responsibilities. Afghan nationals who were initially resettled under Operation Allies Welcome or granted SIVs are now caught in the middle of heightened security measures, raising questions about the future of US refugee and asylum policies.

As investigations into the shooting near the White House continue, US officials have reiterated that the safety of American citizens remains paramount. Law enforcement agencies are working to determine whether additional security lapses occurred and to prevent any future incidents. Meanwhile, Afghan communities across the country are monitoring developments closely, with many expressing anxiety about travel, residency, and the potential impact on family reunification programmes.

The temporary suspension is expected to remain in effect until the federal review is complete. Authorities have not provided a specific timeline for when Afghan immigration requests will resume, leaving many applicants uncertain about their legal futures. The review will likely involve enhanced background checks, coordination between federal security agencies, and a reassessment of current vetting standards for all incoming Afghan nationals.

In conclusion, the US decision to suspend Afghan immigration following the National Guard shooting marks a significant moment in immigration policy, highlighting tensions between national security and humanitarian commitments. As the investigation unfolds, thousands of Afghan nationals and their families face uncertainty, awaiting the outcome of federal reviews that will determine their ability to remain, work, and integrate within the United States.