POLITICS

US Freezes Visas, Rechecks Green Cards After Shooting

▪

Read, Watch or Listen

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 11

Left 18%

Center 64%

Right 18%

Sources: 11

Washington — The U.S. government announced a series of immigration and security measures after a November shooting near the White House. Federal authorities charged 29‑year‑old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal with first‑degree murder after he shot two National Guard members; one soldier died and another remains critically injured. The administration ordered a re‑examination of green cards for nationals from 19 listed countries, halted all asylum decisions, and paused visa issuance for Afghan passport holders. Officials cited national security reviews and released guidance effective immediately. Agencies communicated actions via USCIS, the State Department and statements. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

November 27 (approx.) — Two National Guard members were shot near the White House; one later died.
November 27–28 — Suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal identified as a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the U.S. in 2021; FBI opened a terrorism probe.
November 28–29 — Authorities charged the suspect; U.S. Attorney upgraded charges to first-degree murder after victim's death.
November 28–29 — USCIS announced a full re-examination of green cards from 19 countries and halted asylum decisions effective immediately.
November 29 — State Department paused visa issuance for Afghan passport holders; administration officials cited national security reasons.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 11
Right Leaning:: 2
Left Leaning:: 2
Neutral:: 7

Who Benefited

U.S. security and immigration agencies, along with policymakers prioritizing border control, gained broader authority to review and restrict immigration flows, enabling expedited vetting, visa pauses, and asylum processing suspensions intended to assert stricter national-security procedures.

Who Impacted

Immigrants from the named countries, asylum seekers, resettled refugees and their families face halted decisions, increased scrutiny, processing delays, possible revocations of status, legal uncertainty, and heightened administrative and humanitarian burdens.

Media Bias