A recent shooting incident near the White House has prompted the United States government to implement stringent new immigration measures. On November 26, 2025, at approximately 14:15, an Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, opened fire on two National Guard soldiers at the intersection of 17th and I NW streets, resulting in the death of Sarah Beckstrom and leaving another soldier in critical condition. The killing has intensified existing concerns over national security and immigration practices.
In the aftermath of the shooting, former President Donald Trump announced on his Truth Social account that new restrictions would be implemented by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These measures aim to enhance security protocols and review immigration applications more rigorously.
Overview of New Immigration Measures
The USCIS has introduced several measures that primarily affect Afghan nationals and individuals from other “concerning countries.” These measures include:
1. **Suspension of Immigration Procedures for Afghan Nationals**: Effective immediately, the USCIS has halted all immigration applications from Afghan citizens. The agency stated, “Processing of all immigration applications related to Afghan citizens is suspended pending a more thorough review of security and investigation protocols.”
2. **Review of Green Cards from Concerning Countries**: USCIS Director Joseph Edlow announced a comprehensive reexamination of Green Cards issued to migrants from designated countries. This list includes Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Venezuela, among others.
3. **Suspension of Asylum Application Reviews**: Decisions regarding asylum applications will be paused until a complete inspection and investigation of each case can be conducted. This includes applications submitted under President Biden’s resettlement initiative.
4. **Reduction of Tax Benefits**: Scott Bessent, the Treasury Secretary, indicated that tax benefits for immigrants without legal status would be cut. He emphasized the need for financial institutions to closely monitor activities linked to undocumented immigrants, citing potential threats to national security.
5. **Increased Monitoring of Cross-Border Transfers**: The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) announced plans to enhance surveillance of cross-border money transfers, including remittances, to prevent suspicious financial activities.
Impact on the Community and Future Prospects
These sweeping changes have raised concerns among green card holders and Afghan nationals already in the U.S. Many fear that the immediate suspension of applications and reviews will leave them in limbo. The new policies have sparked discussions on the implications for America’s immigration landscape, particularly as they come at a time when many individuals are seeking refuge from conflict and persecution.
The shooting incident and resulting policy changes have created a ripple effect, impacting not just those directly involved but also the broader immigrant community. The heightened security measures reflect a growing emphasis on national safety, but they also pose significant challenges for individuals navigating the complex immigration system.
As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen how these new regulations will be enforced and what long-term effects they may have on immigration policy in the United States.
