Trump Orders USCIS Review of Green Cards from Countries of Concern

USCIS Launches Sweeping Green Card Reexamination

In a decisive move to bolster national security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on November 27 that it will conduct a thorough review of all green cards issued to individuals from 19 'countries of concern,' including Afghanistan. This action comes directly at the behest of President Donald J. Trump, following a tragic incident near the White House where two National Guard members were shot. The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who arrived in the U.S. in 2021 under a resettlement program, has brought renewed scrutiny to immigration policies.

The review targets permanent resident cards issued to individuals from nations such as Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, Iran, Somalia, and Venezuela, among others. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow emphasized the importance of this measure, stating, 'At the direction of @POTUS, I have directed a full scale, rigorous reexamination of every Green Card for every alien from every country of concern.' His commitment to American safety was clear in his additional remark, 'American safety is non-negotiable.'

National Guard Shooting Sparks Policy Shift

The catalyst for this sweeping policy change was the ambush shooting of two National Guard members near the White House on November 26. One of the soldiers tragically succumbed to injuries, while the other remains in critical condition. The FBI, under Director Kash Patel, has been actively investigating, searching properties linked to Lakanwal, including a residence in Washington state where electronic devices like cellphones and laptops were seized. U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., Jeanine Pirro, detailed that the suspect drove cross-country before carrying out the attack.

This incident has intensified the Trump administration's focus on tightening immigration controls. The administration has expressed concern over past resettlement programs, particularly those from the prior administration, which they argue may have allowed insufficiently vetted individuals into the country. The review of green cards is seen as a necessary step to prevent similar tragedies and protect American citizens.

Commitment to American Safety and Security

President Trump's directive underscores a broader policy of prioritizing national security through stringent immigration oversight. The administration has also signaled plans to pause migration from certain regions as part of this crackdown. The focus remains on ensuring that those who pose potential risks are thoroughly vetted, with USCIS tasked with reevaluating existing permanent resident statuses to align with current safety standards.

The resolve to safeguard the nation is evident in the administration's swift response to the National Guard shooting. By targeting green cards from 'countries of concern,' the Trump administration aims to address vulnerabilities in the immigration system. This policy is a clear message that the safety of Americans will always take precedence, reinforcing trust in federal efforts to secure the homeland.