The BareStory
One National Guard member was killed and another critically injured in a shooting in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, November 26. The alleged gunman has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the U.S. in September 2021 under the "Operation Allies Welcome" program. According to Attorney General Pam Bondi, the Justice Department will seek the death penalty for Lakanwal, who has been charged with first-degree murder and assault with intent to kill. Homeland Security officials stated that Lakanwal was granted asylum in the spring of 2025.
In response to the incident, the Trump administration has directed U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to indefinitely halt all asylum decisions. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow confirmed the pause, stating it was to ensure maximum vetting and screening for public safety. The administration also announced a "rigorous reexamination" of green cards for nationals from 19 countries, a list that includes Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia, and Venezuela.
On Thanksgiving, President Trump made several statements regarding immigration and specific communities. In a social media post, he reportedly used a slur for Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and prejudiced language concerning Representative Ilhan Omar and Somali refugees. This followed an announcement that he would terminate temporary protected status for Somalis in Minnesota. Later, the president stated he would suspend immigration "from all Third World Countries," but the White House has not yet provided details on the policy's implementation.
The shooting and subsequent policy changes have drawn reactions from lawmakers. West Virginia Representative Riley Moore criticized the vetting of Afghan nationals under the prior Biden administration, attributing the soldier’s death to what he called a "failed policy." In contrast, Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz reportedly questioned if the current administration's deployment of troops in the capital played a role, suggesting a review of using the military for domestic law enforcement.
How it may affect me
As a U.S. reader:
• Individuals seeking asylum will face an indefinite delay in their cases, as the government has halted all decisions to review its vetting procedures.
• Green card holders from 19 countries may have their legal status reexamined. Somalis in Minnesota will have their temporary protected status terminated.
• Future immigration from many countries may be suspended, but the practical impact is unclear as no specific policy details have been provided.
