The Trump administration has announced plans to review green cards issued to individuals from 19 specific countries. This decision was prompted by security concerns, particularly after an incident involving an Afghan national who allegedly injured two National Guard members in Washington, D.C.
The head of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, Joseph Edlow, stated that the president ordered a thorough evaluation of all green cards from nations deemed as security risks. The countries named include Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, Iran, Somalia, and Venezuela. This announcement follows a June proclamation from the White House stressing the need to restrict foreign nationals to safeguard the U.S. from potential national security threats.
The suspect in the recent attack, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered the U.S. in 2021 under a program designed to protect Afghan immigrants following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. President Trump used the attack to highlight what he sees as a significant security issue. He emphasized concerns about the number of unvetted immigrants entering the country under previous policies.
Edlow’s post on social media did not directly connect the green card review to the recent attack but reiterated the administration’s commitment to prioritizing national safety. He noted that prior resettlement policies posed risks to the American people.
In addition to the countries initially mentioned, others like Burma, Chad, the Republic of Congo, and Libya will also see their green card holders subjected to this review.
According to a recent report from the Pew Research Center, over 1 million people from Afghanistan sought resettlement in various countries following decades of conflict. This highlights the complex nature of immigration, security, and humanitarian efforts. As the U.S. reassesses its policies, public opinion remains divided; some advocate for stricter vetting, while others emphasize the importance of protecting vulnerable populations.
As of now, there are no specifics about how the green card review process will unfold. The USCIS has also halted processing all immigration requests from Afghan nationals until this review is completed. Overall, the current administration’s actions reflect a growing concern about security as well as an ongoing debate about immigration policies.
For more detailed information on immigration policies and their implications, you can refer to a government report.
