Summary
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has paused processing all immigration requests from Afghan nationals. This decision follows a shooting incident where the suspect was an Afghan national and comes amidst security concerns about Afghan refugees in the U.S.
Key Facts
- USCIS stopped processing immigration requests from Afghan nationals after a shooting involving an Afghan suspect.
- The shooting occurred near Washington, D.C., critically injuring two West Virginia National Guard members.
- The suspect in the shooting, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered the U.S. under the Operation Allies Welcome program.
- The Operation Allies Welcome program brought about 76,000 Afghans to the U.S. after the American withdrawal from Afghanistan.
- President Trump described the incident as "an act of terror" and mentioned further deployments to D.C. for safety.
- Afghanistan was placed on a travel ban list in June, with exceptions for certain Afghan Special Immigrant Visa holders.
- Concerns have been raised about the vetting process for Afghan refugees in light of the suspension.
- The suspension of immigration processing is indefinite and will undergo a security review.
