🚨 Security Sweep: US Halts Afghan Immigration & Reviews Green Cards After DC Guard Shooting
In a dramatic turn following the shocking shooting near the White House, the U.S. government has ordered an immediate freeze on Afghan-related immigration, and launched a sweeping review of all green cards issued to immigrants from countries deemed “of concern.” The decision came after confirmation that the man accused of ambushing two National Guard members had previously worked with U.S.-supported forces abroad — a revelation that has rattled agencies and stirred fierce debate.
🎯 The Incident that Triggered the Crackdown
On November 26, 2025, two young servicemembers — 20-year-old Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and 24-year-old Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe — were shot near Washington, D.C.’s Farragut West metro station, just blocks from the White House. The alleged gunman, 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was arrested on the spot after a brief shootout. Beckstrom later died; Wolfe remains in critical condition.
Days later, U.S. intelligence officials confirmed a stunning detail: the suspect had once served as part of a U.S.-backed partner force in Afghanistan — including working for units allied to the CIA.
That admission triggered a high-stakes response from the federal government.
đź”’ Nationwide Immigration Lockdown
In response to the shooting and ensuing revelations, the head of the national immigration agency ordered a full review of all green cards issued to immigrants from countries deemed a security concern, and paused all Afghan-related immigration processing until further notice. The administration emphasized that “American safety is non-negotiable,” making clear that the review is part of a broader effort to prevent future tragedies.
While the full list of affected countries has not yet been released, the directive immediately sparked a wave of concern and uncertainty among immigrant communities, refugee advocates, and legal experts, who warn that thousands of lives could be disrupted.
⚠️ Security Failures Under Scrutiny
Critics of the prior Afghan resettlement process argue this case underscores deep flaws in vetting and screening protocols. The suspect entered the United States in 2021 — as part of the post-Afghanistan withdrawal resettlement program — and was later granted asylum. That he allegedly carried out a fatal attack so soon after admission has ignited harsh criticism of the policies that allowed it.
On national television, intelligence officials lamented the oversight. Many are asking: how many others like him are living in the U.S. after similar backgrounds? Lawmakers are calling for urgent reforms, new security checks, and enhanced oversight at every step of the immigration and asylum process.
🛑 Broader Fallout and Public Reaction
For citizens, service members, and families across America, the shooting and its aftermath have triggered fear, anger, and grief — especially as one victim was only 20 years old, and both were new to active duty. Military communities and veterans’ organizations have voiced outrage and demanded accountability.
At the same time, immigrant-rights groups warn that sweeping policies and punitive immigration crackdowns risk punishing thousands of innocent people. They argue that security and vigilance must be balanced with fairness, protections, and respect for those who fled war and persecution.
✅ What’s Next: Oversight, Reform — and High Stakes
In the coming days and weeks:
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Government agencies will carry out a detailed audit of immigration records from “countries of concern.”
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Asylum processing for Afghan nationals will remain suspended, and future applications may face stricter scrutiny.
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Lawmakers are preparing hearings to examine failures in the vetting process, and possibly overhaul immigration policy standards.
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Service members and immigration advocates alike await transparency and justice — and many are watching closely to see whether this tragedy leads to meaningful change, or simply more division.
One thing is clear: this isn’t just about one man’s crime. It’s about trust, national security, and the system that brought him here. How America responds in the weeks ahead could reshape immigration policy for years to come.
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