Washington reexamines green cards for 19 countries after shooting
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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.
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Timeline
- 1. 2021: Identified Afghan suspect entered the United States (reported in coverage).
- 2. 2. Nov. 26, 2025: Two National Guard members were shot in Washington, DC; authorities identified an Afghan national as the suspect.
- 3. 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. 4. Nov. 27, 2025: USCIS issued policy guidance effective immediately allowing country-specific negative factors to be considered in adjudications.
- 5. 5. Nov. 28, 2025: Multiple media outlets reported details, listed the 19 countries, and noted the guidance applies to pending and new requests.
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