Trump Administration to Reassess Green Cards Amid National Security Concerns
Published 27 November 2025
Highlights
- The Trump administration plans to re-examine green cards issued to immigrants from 19 countries, citing national security concerns.
- The review follows a shooting in Washington DC involving an Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who entered the US in 2021.
- President Trump criticized the previous administration's immigration policies, linking them to national security threats.
- The US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced a suspension of Afghan immigration requests pending a security review.
- Critics argue that Trump's actions may be politically motivated, aiming to distract from domestic issues and appeal to his base.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: Trump Administration to Reassess Green Cards Amid National Security Concerns
In a move that has sparked significant debate, the Trump administration announced a comprehensive review of green cards issued to immigrants from 19 countries, citing national security threats. This decision comes in the wake of a shooting incident in Washington DC, where two National Guard members were critically injured by an Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who arrived in the US in 2021 under a special immigration program.
National Security Concerns
Joseph Edlow, head of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, stated that President Trump directed a "full-scale, rigorous re-examination" of green cards for individuals from countries deemed to pose security risks. The list includes Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, Iran, Somalia, and Venezuela, among others. The administration's June proclamation highlighted concerns over foreign terrorists and visa overstays as key reasons for the review.
Political Ramifications
President Trump has used the recent attack to underscore what he describes as a major national security threat, criticizing the previous administration's immigration policies. "The protection of this country and of the American people remains paramount," Edlow emphasized in a social media post. The administration has also suspended processing immigration requests from Afghans pending a review of security protocols.
Criticism and Political Context
Critics argue that Trump's actions are politically motivated, aiming to shift focus from domestic issues such as rising prices and to galvanize his base. The president's rhetoric has been described as xenophobic, particularly his comments on Somali immigrants in Minnesota. The administration's approach has raised concerns about potential authoritarian overreach, with critics warning of a backlash against increased militarization and immigration crackdowns.
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Scenario Analysis
The Trump administration's decision to re-examine green cards could lead to heightened tensions both domestically and internationally. Legal challenges may arise from affected individuals and advocacy groups, potentially delaying the implementation of new policies. Politically, this move could bolster Trump's support among his base, but it risks alienating moderate voters concerned about xenophobia and civil liberties. As the situation unfolds, the administration's handling of immigration and national security will likely remain a contentious issue in the political landscape.
In a move that has sparked significant debate, the Trump administration announced a comprehensive review of green cards issued to immigrants from 19 countries, citing national security threats. This decision comes in the wake of a shooting incident in Washington DC, where two National Guard members were critically injured by an Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who arrived in the US in 2021 under a special immigration program.
National Security Concerns
Joseph Edlow, head of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, stated that President Trump directed a "full-scale, rigorous re-examination" of green cards for individuals from countries deemed to pose security risks. The list includes Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, Iran, Somalia, and Venezuela, among others. The administration's June proclamation highlighted concerns over foreign terrorists and visa overstays as key reasons for the review.
Political Ramifications
President Trump has used the recent attack to underscore what he describes as a major national security threat, criticizing the previous administration's immigration policies. "The protection of this country and of the American people remains paramount," Edlow emphasized in a social media post. The administration has also suspended processing immigration requests from Afghans pending a review of security protocols.
Criticism and Political Context
Critics argue that Trump's actions are politically motivated, aiming to shift focus from domestic issues such as rising prices and to galvanize his base. The president's rhetoric has been described as xenophobic, particularly his comments on Somali immigrants in Minnesota. The administration's approach has raised concerns about potential authoritarian overreach, with critics warning of a backlash against increased militarization and immigration crackdowns.
What this might mean
The Trump administration's decision to re-examine green cards could lead to heightened tensions both domestically and internationally. Legal challenges may arise from affected individuals and advocacy groups, potentially delaying the implementation of new policies. Politically, this move could bolster Trump's support among his base, but it risks alienating moderate voters concerned about xenophobia and civil liberties. As the situation unfolds, the administration's handling of immigration and national security will likely remain a contentious issue in the political landscape.
