In a significant move, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph B. Edlow revealed that President Donald Trump has mandated an immediate and thorough review of all green cards issued to individuals from 19 nations identified as "countries of concern."
This directive, described by Edlow as a "full-scale, rigorous reexamination," underscores the administration's commitment to national security.
According to One America News, the announcement follows a tragic incident near the White House, where a shooting left two National Guard members critically injured. The suspect, a 29-year-old Afghan national, had previously aided U.S. forces and was resettled in the United States through Operation Allies Welcome, a program initiated by the Biden administration.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro confirmed that her office is scrutinizing the suspect's immigration history and the vetting processes that facilitated his entry into the country.
The review encompasses all 19 countries listed in a presidential proclamation dated June 4, 2025, which imposed a partial travel ban due to insufficient screening and vetting procedures. Among these nations are Afghanistan, Iran, Venezuela, Haiti, Burundi, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Laos. The suspect, identified as Lakanwal, had been granted asylum earlier this year after serving alongside U.S. Special Forces and CIA partner forces in Kandahar for a decade. The FBI is currently investigating the motive behind the attack and any potential broader threats.
Reports indicate that Lakanwal hails from Afghanistan's Khost province, a predominantly Sunni Muslim region. During the attack, he reportedly shouted "Allahu Akbar!" ("God is Great"), a phrase often linked to Islamic declarations. This has led some law enforcement officials to suggest an Islamist motive may be at play.
In response to the incident, the Trump administration has announced additional measures to bolster national security. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that President Trump is determined to utilize every available resource to ensure that individuals posing even a potential threat to American citizens are not allowed to remain in the country.
As of Thursday evening, USCIS has commenced the process of retrieving files for the green card reexamination, although a timeline for completion has not been specified. This initiative reflects a broader conservative emphasis on stringent immigration controls and the prioritization of American safety and sovereignty.
The unfolding situation raises questions about the effectiveness of current vetting procedures and the balance between national security and humanitarian commitments. As the investigation progresses, the administration's actions will likely continue to spark debate over immigration policies and their implications for the nation's security landscape.
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