In the wake of a deadly attack on two National Guard members near the White House, the US government has ordered a comprehensive review of all green cards held by immigrants from 19 countries deemed high-risk. One guard member has died, while the other remains critically injured.
The accused shooter, Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, arrived in the US under the 2021 evacuation program. Following the incident, former President Donald Trump directed a “full-scale, rigorous re-examination” of permanent residency permits for immigrants from the 19 specified nations. The countries under review include Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Burundi, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, and Yemen.
The review will be conducted by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and applies to current green card holders, as well as pending and new applications from these countries starting November 27, 2025. Officials have emphasized that the applicant’s country of origin will now be considered a key factor in eligibility assessments, highlighting national security as the top priority.
Supporters of this decision argue it is necessary to protect American citizens and prevent similar attacks in the future. Critics, however, warn that it unfairly targets immigrants based solely on nationality rather than individual behavior, calling it a form of collective punishment.
The green card review represents a significant tightening of US immigration policy, shifting from broader humanitarian resettlement programs to a more security-driven approach. Thousands of immigrants from the affected countries may now face renewed scrutiny, and those seeking asylum or permanent residency could encounter stricter standards and longer waiting times.
Authorities have pledged to balance safety with fairness, but the move has already sparked debates over civil liberties and the treatment of long-standing permanent residents from the 19 nations under review.
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