Washington DC, Nov 27: The United States has suspended all immigration requests from Afghan nationals following a shocking shooting near the White House that left two National Guard members injured.
The move comes after 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan migrant, was arrested for allegedly opening fire in broad daylight just two blocks from the presidential residence. The incident, which occurred on the eve of Thanksgiving, has triggered swift action from the Trump administration.
Trump Orders Immediate Freeze on Afghan Immigration
President Donald Trump announced that his administration would “re-examine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan” since the 2021 Taliban takeover. The statement was followed by an official post from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), declaring:
“Effective immediately, processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals is stopped indefinitely pending further review of security and vetting protocols.”
The USCIS emphasized that the safety of American citizens remains its “singular focus and mission.”
Shooter Entered US Under Biden-Era Evacuation Program
According to federal sources, Lakanwal arrived in the United States under Operation Allies Welcome, a program launched by the Biden administration to resettle Afghans who had assisted US forces. He was reportedly living in Bellingham, Washington, before the incident.
The program brought over 76,000 Afghans to the US, many of whom served as interpreters or aides during the war. While the initiative was hailed as a humanitarian effort, critics have long questioned its vetting speed and security gaps.
JUST IN🚨: Enhanced Photo of D.C. Shooting Suspect Released as Injured National Guard Troops Fight for Their Lives
Authorities have published a digitally sharpened image of the suspect who allegedly shot two West Virginia National Guard soldiers near the White House, after… pic.twitter.com/d6XI6EaazW
— Officer Lew (@officer_Lew) November 26, 2025
Political Fallout and Public Debate
The shooting has reignited debates over immigration, national security, and the presence of military personnel in urban areas. Trump’s renewed push for deportation and stricter screening is expected to face legal and political scrutiny in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, the injured National Guard members are recovering, and Lakanwal remains in custody. Authorities have confirmed that he sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the arrest.
What’s Next?
With immigration policy now under the spotlight, Afghan nationals awaiting asylum or visa processing face uncertainty. Advocacy groups have urged the administration to avoid blanket bans and focus on individual case reviews.
The White House has yet to issue a formal statement beyond the USCIS directive, but insiders suggest more restrictions could follow.