WASHINGTON – The Trump governance announced Thursday, November 28, 2024, a extensive review of green card approvals for individuals from 19 designated “countries of concern.” This action follows the arrest of an Afghan national in connection with the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C.
The move raises concerns among immigration advocates who fear broad repercussions for vulnerable Afghan communities. While authorities are scrutinizing vetting procedures employed during the 2021 evacuation of Afghan nationals under Operation Allies Welcome,the administration has simultaneously paused immigration processing for citizens of Afghanistan and is re-evaluating previously granted asylum claims.
The Department of Homeland Security stated the reexamination will be a “full-scale, rigorous” assessment of existing green card cases.Officials have not publicly identified the 19 countries subject to the review, but the decision stems from the shooting incident and questions surrounding the vetting process for individuals admitted to the United States following the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan.The suspect, an Afghan national who arrived in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, is currently in custody. This program was established to expedite the resettlement of Afghan nationals who assisted the U.S.military during the 20-year conflict.
Immigration advocates caution that penalizing an entire community based on the alleged actions of one individual is unjust and could undermine the safety of Afghan refugees who have already faced important hardship. CBS News reported that the administration’s actions could have far-reaching consequences for thousands of Afghan nationals seeking refuge in the United States.
