Has Trump Ordered Increased Scrutiny for Green Card Holders from Afghanistan and Other Nations?
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Synopsis
In light of a recent shooting incident, President Trump has ordered rigorous checks for Green Card holders from Afghanistan and 18 other nations. This decision follows a tragic event near the White House, raising significant concerns about national security and immigration policies under scrutiny.
Key Takeaways
- Trump orders heightened scrutiny for Green Cards from Afghanistan and 18 countries.
- Triggered by a shooting incident near the White House.
- Former Green Card holders face rigorous re-examination.
- Concerns over national security lead to policy changes.
- Criticism of previous administration's vetting procedures.
New York, Nov 28 (NationPress) In the wake of halting immigration applications from Afghanistan, President Donald Trump has mandated increased scrutiny for Green Card holders hailing from Afghanistan and 18 other countries.
The Director of the US Customs and Immigration Service, Joseph Edlow, announced on Thursday that he has been tasked under Trump’s directives to conduct a “comprehensive and thorough re-assessment of every Green Card for all individuals from nations of concern”.
Notably, India and other nations in South Asia, aside from Afghanistan, are excluded from this list.
This decision was prompted by a shooting incident involving Rahmanullah Lakanwal near the White House that occurred on Wednesday.
Sadly, one of the National Guard soldiers, Sarah Beckstrom, succumbed to her injuries on Thursday, while another remains in critical condition.
Lakanwal, who was injured prior to his arrest, is currently hospitalized.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Trump stated, “We must now reassess every single alien who has entered our nation from Afghanistan”.
Following the enhanced scrutiny introduced by Edlow, several hundred thousand Green Card holders from these 19 nations will undergo “thorough re-evaluation”.
Previously, in June, Trump had placed these countries under surveillance and imposed restrictions on visa issuance for their citizens, citing concerns about the US's ability to properly vet applicants from these regions.
The countries included in this initiative are Burma, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
Lakanwal, who had previously collaborated with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in Afghanistan, arrived in the US under programs designed to safeguard Afghans who assisted the US during the Taliban's resurgence.
Edlow criticized the previous administration led by Joe Biden for inadequate screening of individuals entering the US.
“The distressing events of yesterday highlight that the Biden administration has spent the last four years dismantling fundamental vetting and screening protocols, prioritizing the swift resettlement of individuals from high-risk nations over the safety of American citizens,” he remarked.
With the introduction of the new policy, immigration officials will “factor in country-specific considerations as major negative indicators during the evaluation of immigration applications,” he stated.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the balance between national safety and the humane treatment of immigrants. While security concerns are paramount, it is crucial to ensure that policies are not overly punitive to those fleeing danger. The ongoing debates surrounding immigration vetting must prioritize both safety and compassion.
NationPress
28/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the increased scrutiny for Green Card holders?
The heightened scrutiny for Green Card holders from Afghanistan and 18 other countries was triggered by a shooting incident involving Rahmanullah Lakanwal near the White House.
Which countries are included in the scrutiny order?
The scrutiny order includes Afghanistan and 18 other nations, such as Burma, Chad, Iran, Libya, and Venezuela.
What are the implications of this new policy?
The new policy will subject several hundred thousand Green Card holders to rigorous re-evaluation, potentially affecting their immigration status.
What is the stance of the current administration regarding previous vetting processes?
The current administration has criticized the previous Biden administration for lax screening protocols that may have compromised national security.
How does this decision affect immigrants from South Asia?
While Afghanistan is included in the list, countries like India and other South Asian nations are currently not under scrutiny.
