US suspends immigration requests for Afghans after National Guard shooting

November 27, 2025

Following a shooting near the White House that critically injured two National Guard soldiers, the US has halted all immigration applications from Afghan nationals pending a security review. The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered the United States in September 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome during the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal and was recently granted asylum. President Trump labeled the incident an act of terrorism and ordered the deployment of 500 additional National Guard troops to Washington DC, bringing the total to approximately 2,700.

Who is affected

Two National Guard soldiers (critically injured in the shooting)
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the 29-year-old Afghan suspect (shot four times and in custody)
Tens of thousands of Afghans who entered the US under special immigration protections since 2021
Afghan nationals currently applying for immigration to the US
Afghan holders of Special Immigration Visas who worked with the US military
Thousands of Afghans previously protected under the temporary protected status programme
National Guard members deployed in Washington DC and other Democratic-led cities
Witnesses and bystanders near Farragut Square Metro Station

What action is being taken

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services is suspending processing of all immigration requests from Afghans
A security and vetting protocols review is being conducted
Authorities are investigating the shooting (though the suspect is not cooperating)
500 additional National Guard troops are being deployed to Washington DC
National Guard members are conducting high-visibility patrols in the capital

Why it matters

This incident represents a significant development in US immigration and national security policy, as it directly connects an act of violence to the controversial 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal and subsequent refugee resettlement. The shooting has provided justification for the Trump administration to further restrict immigration from Afghanistan, affecting thousands of people who fled Taliban rule after assisting US forces. The attack also raises questions about vetting procedures for refugees and asylum seekers, potentially impacting how the US handles future humanitarian crises and its obligations to those who supported American military operations abroad.

What's next

President Trump will re-examine "every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden"
The security and vetting protocols review will be completed (timeline not specified)
The investigation into the shooting will continue

Read full article from source: BBC