UPDATE: In a shocking development, federal immigration authorities have paused all immigration applications from Afghan nationals following a violent incident in Washington, D.C. A man identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who entered the U.S. in 2021 through the Biden administration’s Operation Allies Welcome, has been arrested as the suspect in a shooting that injured two National Guard members.
This urgent decision was announced by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on July 12, 2023, stating that processing of all requests related to Afghan nationals is suspended indefinitely for a comprehensive review of security and vetting protocols. The announcement comes mere hours after the Department of Homeland Security confirmed Lakanwal’s involvement in the incident, where he was shot and is now in custody.
President Donald Trump responded to the shooting, declaring, “We must now reexamine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden,” emphasizing the need for rigorous scrutiny of Afghan immigrants. This reaction highlights the growing tension surrounding Afghan immigration, especially as the U.S. military evacuated over 85,000 Afghans after the Taliban regained power in 2021.
The implications of this pause are profound. Many Afghan nationals who aided U.S. forces, including military interpreters, are now left in a state of uncertainty regarding their immigration status. While some have qualified for Special Immigration Visas and others for asylum, many remain in precarious situations without a clear path to permanent residency.
The nonprofit organization AfghanEvac has condemned the attack but cautioned against stigmatizing the Afghan community. “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,” said AfghanEvac President Shawn VanDiver. The organization asserts that Afghan immigrants undergo some of the most extensive security vetting processes of any population entering the U.S.
As this situation unfolds, the focus turns to what measures will be implemented to ensure the safety of both immigrant communities and the public. The ongoing debate over the effectiveness of the current vetting process is expected to intensify, especially among Republican officials who have long voiced concerns about potential risks associated with Afghan immigration.
With this pause in processing, many Afghans are left fearing for their future in the United States. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, as individuals who once found hope and refuge now face an uncertain fate amidst rising political tensions.
Stay tuned for breaking updates on this developing story, as the implications for Afghan nationals and U.S. immigration policy continue to evolve.
