The U.S. has suspended Afghan immigration cases after two
National Guard members were shot, with identifying the victims amid an ongoing
investigation.
On Wednesday, two West Virginia National Guard soldiers were
gravely injured in what police think was a "targeted" attack near the
White House.
They have been identified as Sarah Beckstrom (20) and Andrew
Wolfe (24).
The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, is an Afghan
national.
Lakanwal, who lived in Bellingham, Washington, reportedly
arrived in the United States in 2021.
"Effective immediately, processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals is stopped indefinitely pending further review of security and vetting protocols,"
it said in
a statement on X.
According to CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Lakanwal had
worked for the agency in Afghanistan, and CNN claimed that he was granted
refuge by the Trump administration in April, citing numerous law enforcement
authorities.
On Thursday, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services
stated that it'll indurate immigration for Afghan citizens.
During a media conference on Wednesday, authorities stated
that the Afghan citizen entered the United States on September 8, 2021, as part
of the Operation Abettors Drink resettlement program.
The action was established by former President Joe Biden
following the US military pullout from Afghanistan in August 2021, which
resulted in the quick collapse of the Afghan government.
The Trump administration has faulted
the former Biden administration for not properly vetting Lakanwal.
Which Afghan immigration applications are affected by the
halt?
The U.S. halt, blazoned by USCIS on November 26, 2025,
suspends all immigration requests relating to Afghan citizens indefinitely for
security review. Both affirmative and protective claims, including those
granted under Biden- period processes like the shooter's 2024 operation(
perfected 2025).
Pending I- 485 forms tied to shelter, family backing, or
employment. For Afghans who backed U.S. forces, numerous backlogged and now
broke for those in third countries or hiding in Afghanistan. New processing
under the exile program, limited at 7,500 for FY2025.
Operations from Afghan cousins of U.S. citizens or green card holders. Extensions or new subventions; Afghans had TPS relief ended before by Trump.