US Suspends Immigration Applications For Afghan Citizens After Shooting Incident Near White House

The United States has suspended all immigration applications from Afghan citizens without a set end date. This decision followed an incident where two National Guard members were shot near the White House in Washington DC. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) declared the suspension as a measure to reassess security and vetting procedures.

The shooting, labelled as an act of terror, involved two soldiers from the West Virginia Guard. They were attacked close to the White House, leading to an immediate lockdown as authorities rushed to secure the area. The suspect, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is a 29-year-old Afghan who arrived in the US in 2021.

Security Measures Intensified

In light of this event, President Donald Trump condemned the attack as a "heinous assault" and a "crime against humanity." He has directed the Pentagon to deploy an additional 500 troops to fortify the capital. Trump was not in Washington at the time, as he was in Florida for the Thanksgiving holiday.

In a video statement, Trump expressed his outrage over the attack, describing it as an evil act committed against the nation. "This heinous assault was an act of evil, an act of hatred and an act of terror... It was a crime against our entire nation. It was a crime against humanity," he stated.

Increased Scrutiny on Afghan Nationals

Lakanwal, who entered the country through Operation Allies Welcome, was wounded during the incident and is currently hospitalised under strict security. This program expedited asylum processes for Afghans following the Taliban's takeover in 2021. Investigators currently believe Lakanwal acted alone in the shooting.

President Trump has reiterated his administration's commitment to tightening immigration laws, particularly for those who came to the US after the Taliban's rise to power. This aligns with his broader strategy to enhance national security and scrutinise Afghan migrants more closely.