Summary
The Trump administration has paused all immigration requests for Afghan nationals due to concerns about vetting after a violent incident in Washington DC. The suspect involved in the incident entered the U.S. under a resettlement program launched by the Biden administration. This program was meant to help vulnerable Afghans after the Taliban took over Afghanistan.
Key Facts
- The DHS has suspended Afghan immigration requests for security reviews.
- The suspect in the Washington DC shooting was part of the Afghan resettlement program.
- The program, called Operation Allies Welcome, started in August 2021.
- Over 190,000 Afghans have been resettled in the U.S. through this and a similar program.
- The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered the U.S. on September 8, 2021.
- Most Afghans under the program received temporary residence permission called "parole" for two years.
- Those supporting U.S. troops in Afghanistan were eligible for a Special Immigrant Visa for lawful permanent residence.
- Lakanwal had an active Special Immigrant Visa application but was granted asylum under the Trump administration.
