In a significant escalation of its immigration enforcement measures, the Trump administration has mandated a comprehensive re-examination of all Green Cards issued to individuals from 19 countries classified as "of concern." This decisive action comes directly in response to the recent shooting incident in Washington, D.C. that left two National Guard members critically injured.
Immediate Response to Capital Attack
The administration's move follows Wednesday's brazen assault that critically wounded two West Virginia National Guard members - Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sgt Andrew Wolfe, 24. Both soldiers were deployed in the capital as part of President Trump's crime-fighting initiative, which placed approximately 2,200 Guard troops under federal control.
Authorities have identified the suspect as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who drove across the country to execute what prosecutors characterized as an "ambush-style" attack using a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver. Investigators reviewing video footage observed the suspect turning a corner and immediately opening fire on the troops.
Comprehensive Green Card Scrutiny
Joseph Edlow, Director of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), confirmed he acted on President Donald Trump's direct instructions to initiate what he described as a "full scale, rigorous reexamination of every Green Card for every alien from every country of concern." This announcement came mere hours after the attack, which the president has explicitly cited as justification for tightening entry regulations.
Officials verified that the list of 19 nations subject to review matches those identified in a June presidential proclamation. The countries facing either full or partial entry suspensions include: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
When questioned for specific details regarding the review process, USCIS representatives directed attention to the earlier proclamation, which highlighted concerns about high visa overstay rates, insufficient cooperation on deportations, inadequate vetting systems, and various security threats including terrorism.
Background of the Suspect and Legal Proceedings
Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, the Biden-era program established following the tumultuous withdrawal from Afghanistan. He submitted his asylum application during the Biden administration, though according to #AfghanEvac, his case received approval under the Trump administration.
Investigators revealed that Lakanwal had successfully cleared all background checks, including those conducted before his employment with the U.S. government in Afghanistan, where he maintained connections to CIA-supported Zero Units. These specialized units were recognized for frontline operations and played significant roles during the final phases of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The suspect currently faces multiple charges, including assault with intent to kill while armed. U.S. attorney Jeanine Pirro indicated that charges might be elevated, stating, "We are praying that they survive and that the highest charge will not have to be murder in the first degree."
In response to the incident, President Trump has authorized the deployment of an additional 500 National Guard troops to Washington. While a federal judge has ordered the broader deployment to conclude, the implementation of this ruling has been postponed for 21 days to provide the administration opportunity to appeal or withdraw the forces.
The situation remains fluid as investigators continue working to establish a definitive motive for the attack, while the administration intensifies its immigration review procedures targeting nearly two dozen nations.
