Washington Announcement
Washington, D.C. The Trump administration has announced a sweeping re‑evaluation of Green Cards issued to migrants from 19 countries identified as “nations of concern.” The directive follows President Donald Trump’s order to tighten security screenings for immigrants already residing in the United States. The announcement was made after a violent incident outside the White House that has reignited debate over immigration and national security.
USCIS Directive and Countries Under Scrutiny
Joseph Edlow, head of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), confirmed that the president instructed him to conduct a “full and strict review of every Green Card issued to foreign nationals arriving from countries that pose security concerns for the United States.” USCIS referenced a June White House announcement naming Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, Iran, Somalia, and Venezuela among the flagged nations. Additional countries include Myanmar, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Libya. Officials indicated that the remaining nations on the list are expected to fall under similar scrutiny.
The Washington Incident
The decision comes one day after a violent attack outside the White House. Authorities reported that Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal allegedly opened fire on two National Guard soldiers. The attack claimed the life of 20‑year‑old Sarah Bäckström, while another guard, Andrew Wolfe, remains in critical condition. Investigators revealed that Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 under a special immigration program created during the American withdrawal from Afghanistan, which was designed to relocate vulnerable Afghan citizens.
Trump’s Response and Political Context
President Trump described the attack as proof of a “major national security threat.” He emphasized the need for rigorous checks on immigration programs established under the previous administration. During his remarks, Trump criticized the policies that allowed refugees to enter without what he called proper vetting. Although Edlow’s social media announcement about the Green Card review did not directly reference the shooting, he stressed that safeguarding the country remains the administration’s top priority. “The American people will not bear the consequences of the previous administration’s reckless resettlement policies,” he said.
Expanded Immigration Enforcement
The comprehensive review means that Green Card holders from all 19 countries will undergo renewed security screening. Many of these nations have faced internal conflict, instability, or strained relations with the United States. The administration has framed the move as part of intensified immigration enforcement measures. Analysts expect the policy to spark legal challenges and political debate, as immigration advocates argue that the measures unfairly target specific nationalities while supporters claim they are necessary for national security.