US Halts Afghan Immigration Processing as Security Vetting Review Follows White House Shooting

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has paused processing of Afghan immigration petitions while officials conduct a comprehensive review of security vetting procedures. In a post on X, the agency stressed that protecting the homeland is its top priority. The move also signals a broader look at how Afghanistan-related programs are administered.

The pause follows a shooting near the White House that left two National Guard members in critical condition. Authorities identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the United States in September 2021 under the Operation Allies Welcome program.

President Donald Trump called the attack an act of terror and urged a broad reassessment of Afghan entrants during the Biden administration, signaling stricter scrutiny of foreign nationals with ties to Afghanistan.

For context, thousands of Afghans were admitted under special protections after the chaotic 2021 withdrawal. The gunman’s case is being viewed within broader policy debates surrounding Afghanistan related entries, including Special Immigrant Visas for those who worked with U.S. forces. Earlier this year, a sweeping travel ban limited entry from Afghanistan and several other countries. The deportation protections that applied to many Afghans and the Temporary Protected Status program have also faced changes in recent years.

Key Takeaways

• The USCIS halted Afghan immigration processing as a security vetting review begins.
• A shooting near the White House left two National Guard members in critical condition; the suspect is linked to Afghanistan and the Operation Allies Welcome program.
• The incident renews calls for tighter screening of Afghan entrants and reassessment of related policies.
• Policy context includes prior travel bans, Special Immigrant Visa provisions, and the end of certain protections for Afghan nationals.

Expert insight

A security analyst notes that pausing immigration processing signals a broader, ongoing review of vetting standards in response to high profile security incidents. He adds that rigorous checks are now a political priority across administrations.

Summary

The White House shooting has triggered a fresh evaluation of how Afghan arrivals are admitted to the United States. Officials emphasize safety and thorough vetting as core to immigration policy, while lawmakers debate the balance between humanitarian programs and national security. The latest USCIS move fits into a wider pattern of stricter screening in a security focused political climate.

Key insight: Security driven changes in immigration vetting are shaping policy after major incidents. BBC News