In response to the recent shooting of two National Guard members near the White House in Washington D.C., U.S. President Donald Trump has announced strict new immigration measures. The incident involved Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the United States under the Operation Allies Welcome program after the fall of Kabul in 2021.
The Trump administration will now conduct a thorough review of Green Card holders from countries it considers a security concern. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph Edlow stated that this review will apply immediately to all current and future Green Card applications filed on or after November 27, 2025. The countries listed as “of concern” include Afghanistan, Iran, Sudan, Somalia, and others. India is not on this list and will not be affected.
This step follows a previous proclamation that restricted travel from the same 19 countries under national security concerns. Trump’s new policy aims to reevaluate past immigration actions that he says compromised public safety.
In a further announcement, Trump declared a permanent halt to immigration from all “Third World Countries.” He cited concerns about national safety, illegal entries, and strain on federal resources. The policy includes revoking federal benefits for non-citizens, deporting those deemed security risks or economic burdens, and even denaturalizing individuals who undermine U.S. stability.
Trump emphasized that reversing past immigration policies is essential to restoring the country’s systems. He concluded his statement with strong rhetoric targeting individuals he claims threaten the nation’s values.
