POLITICS

Washington reexamines green cards for 19 countries after shooting

PUBLISHED Nov 27, 2025, 8:10 PM ET

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Washington reexamines green cards for 19 countries after shooting

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Sources: 8

Center 87%

Right 13%

Sources: 8

Washington — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced week that it will reexamine green cards issued to nationals of 19 designated 'countries of concern,' effective immediately. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow said on Nov. 27 that President Donald Trump directed a 'full-scale, rigorous reexamination' after the Nov. 26 shooting in Washington that critically wounded two National Guard members; the suspect was identified as Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who entered the US in 2021. The guidance permits officers to consider country-specific negative factors when adjudicating pending or new requests filed on or after Nov. 27. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

2021: Identified Afghan suspect entered the United States (reported in coverage).
2. Nov. 26, 2025: Two National Guard members were shot in Washington, DC; authorities identified an Afghan national as the suspect.
3. Nov. 27, 2025: USCIS Director Joseph Edlow announced a full-scale reexamination of green cards for 19 countries at President Trump's direction.
4. Nov. 27, 2025: USCIS issued policy guidance effective immediately allowing country-specific negative factors to be considered in adjudications.
5. Nov. 28, 2025: Multiple media outlets reported details, listed the 19 countries, and noted the guidance applies to pending and new requests.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 8
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 7

Who Benefited

U.S. national security and immigration enforcement agencies gained expanded discretion to consider country-specific negative factors when adjudicating green card requests, enabling expedited additional vetting for applicants from the 19 listed countries.

Who Impacted

Permanent residents and applicants from the 19 designated 'countries of concern' face increased scrutiny, possible delays, reviews of previously issued green cards, and potential revocation or administrative burdens.

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