Trump Administration Launches Immigration Review Following National Guard Shooting

Published 28 November 2025

Highlights

• The shooting of two National Guard members in Washington DC has prompted the Trump administration to review immigration policies, particularly those related to Afghan evacuees.
• Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the suspect in the shooting, entered the US under the Biden administration's Operation Allies Welcome, which resettled over 190,000 Afghans.
• The Department of Homeland Security has suspended the processing of immigration requests for Afghan nationals pending a review of vetting protocols.
• The Trump administration plans to re-examine asylum cases and green cards issued under Biden, focusing on countries included in a recent travel ban.
• Trump officials argue that lax vetting under Biden's policies led to the incident, prompting a broader immigration crackdown.

In the wake of a tragic shooting near the White House that left one National Guard member dead, the Trump administration has announced sweeping changes to US immigration policies. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, entered the United States under the Biden administration's Operation Allies Welcome (OAW) program, which was designed to resettle vulnerable Afghans after the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in 2021.

Immigration Policy Under Scrutiny

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has temporarily halted the processing of immigration requests for Afghan nationals, citing the need to review security and vetting protocols. This move comes amid claims from Republican officials that the suspect was inadequately vetted upon entry. President Trump and other senior officials have criticized the Biden administration for what they describe as "lax vetting" of Afghan evacuees, with Trump stating, "We must now re-examine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden."

Operation Allies Welcome and Vetting Concerns

Operation Allies Welcome, launched in August 2021, aimed to provide refuge to Afghans at risk of persecution by the Taliban, particularly those who had assisted Western governments. Over 190,000 Afghans have been resettled under this program and another called Enduring Welcome. Most were granted temporary stay under a process known as "parole," which requires compliance with certain conditions, including medical screenings.

Broader Immigration Review Initiated

In response to the shooting, the Trump administration has expanded its review to include all asylum cases approved under Biden. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a rigorous re-examination of green cards for citizens from countries deemed "of concern," which include Afghanistan and others affected by a recent travel ban. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow emphasized the need for a thorough review, stating, "We must take all necessary measures to ensure the removal of any alien from any country who does not belong here."

Human Impact and Political Reactions

Lakanwal, who arrived in the US in September 2021, had an active Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) application and was granted asylum this year. Despite having no known criminal history, his case has become a focal point in the debate over immigration policy. The Trump administration's response has sparked a broader discussion on the balance between national security and humanitarian obligations.

What this might mean

The Trump administration's decision to review immigration policies could lead to significant changes in how asylum cases and green card applications are processed, particularly for nationals from countries included in the travel ban. This move may face legal challenges from advocacy groups concerned about the implications for refugees and asylum seekers. Experts suggest that the administration's actions could further polarize the immigration debate, with potential impacts on US foreign relations and domestic policy. As the review unfolds, the balance between ensuring national security and upholding humanitarian commitments will remain a contentious issue.