US Suspends All Afghan Immigration Processing After National Guard Shooting Near White House

The assailant, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal from Afghanistan, has been identified as the individual responsible for shooting two National Guard members.

The United States has implemented an immediate suspension on processing all immigration applications from Afghan nationals following a shooting incident near the White House in Washington DC. This decisive action by the Trump administration came in direct response to an Afghan citizen being arrested for opening fire just two blocks away from the presidential residence.

"Effective immediately, processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals is stopped indefinitely pending further review of security and vetting protocols," announced the US Citizenship and Immigration Services via their official X account.

They further emphasized, "The protections and safety of our homeland and of the American people remains our singular focus and mission."

This policy shift follows President Trump's declaration to intensify government efforts aimed at deporting migrants, with specific mention of potentially increasing scrutiny for those who fled Afghanistan after the Taliban seized control in 2021.

"We must now re-examine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan," the President stated firmly.

He continued, "We must take all necessary measures to endure the removal of any alien from any country who does not belong here, or add benefit to our country if they can't love our country, we don't want them."

This uncommon attack on National Guard personnel, occurring on Thanksgiving eve, emerges amid ongoing controversy regarding the deployment of military troops in Washington DC and other American cities. The situation has sparked legal challenges and intensified public debate concerning the Trump administration's utilization of military forces to address what officials describe as uncontrolled crime issues.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the identified shooter, entered the United States during the turbulent Afghanistan withdrawal of 2021 and had been residing in Bellingham, Washington. His entry was facilitated through Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden administration initiative that evacuated and resettled tens of thousands of Afghans following America's withdrawal from the country.

According to the Associated Press, the suspect was also shot during the incident and sustained non-life-threatening injuries while in custody.

The Operation Allies Welcome program brought approximately 76,000 individuals to the United States, many of whom had served alongside American troops and diplomats as interpreters and translators.

This program has subsequently faced intense scrutiny from Trump and his supporters, Republican congressional representatives, and various government oversight bodies regarding potential inadequacies in the vetting procedures and the rapid pace of admissions, despite advocates highlighting that it provided crucial protection for individuals at risk of Taliban retaliation.