Trump Administration Intensifies Immigration Crackdown: US to Review Green Cards from 19 Countries

The US government is taking a closer look at green cards issued to individuals from 19 countries considered security risks. This shift comes after a recent incident where two National Guard members were shot in Washington, DC. President Trump directed this review, signaling a tougher stance on immigration.

Joe Edlow, who leads the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), emphasized the seriousness of this reevaluation on social media, stating that every green card holder from these “countries of concern” would be scrutinized.

The 19 countries on this list include Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, and Venezuela, among others. Many of these nations face issues such as political instability and terrorism, which the administration cites as justification for increased scrutiny.

This heightened focus on immigration follows a tragic shooting by Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who had previously worked with the US government. Lakanwal arrived in the US as part of a program that helped Afghan allies settle after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. He applied for asylum in 2024, which was granted a year later.

Notably, over 190,000 Afghans have resettled in the US since 2021, according to statistics from the State Department. However, these numbers are now under review. The Department of Homeland Security announced that it would also reassess asylum cases granted under the Biden administration.

Trump’s recent comments lay blame for the shooting on the Biden administration, arguing that it has led to security risks by allowing “unknown and unvetted foreigners” into the country. He believes that we need to reevaluate the status of individuals who entered under the previous administration to ensure safety.

Experts in immigration policy suggest that while security is essential, a balance is needed to avoid unjustly impacting individuals who genuinely seek safety and opportunity in the US. Reviews like this could affect thousands of lives and change the landscape of US immigration once again. As discussions about immigration continue, the focus remains on both security and the humanitarian responsibilities that come with it.

For further insights on immigration policies, you can refer to [this comprehensive report by the Pew Research Center](https://www.pewresearch.org/). Understanding these dynamics isn’t just about policy; it’s about the human stories behind every application and the lives they represent.

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