US Begins Broad Review of Green Cards from 19 Nations
<p>The United States government has initiated a comprehensive review of permanent residency permits, commonly known as green cards, issued to immigrants from 19 countries identified as posing heightened national security risks. The announcement, made by the administration of Donald Trump, has brought renewed attention to immigration policy, vetting procedures, and the broader debate surrounding refugee resettlement and asylum programs.</p><p>According to senior officials, the decision follows a violent incident in Washington, DC, where two members of the United States National Guard were shot while on patrol near the White House. One of the guardsmen later died from her injuries, while the second remains in critical condition. The administration argues that the event highlights potential weaknesses in immigration screening systems and underscores the importance of stricter oversight.</p><h4><strong>Government Orders Comprehensive Green Card Review</strong></h4><p>The review will be overseen by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Its director, Joseph Edlow, stated that the president has directed authorities to carry out a “full-scale and rigorous re-examination” of green cards issued to individuals from what the administration calls “countries of concern.”</p><p>Edlow emphasised that national security remains the top priority, adding that the government does not intend to shoulder what it describes as the consequences of past resettlement policies that, in its view, lacked sufficient safeguards. Officials clarified that the review would reassess eligibility, documentation, and vetting standards but did not immediately specify whether existing green cards would be revoked without further investigation.</p><h4><strong>Countries Affected by the Policy</strong></h4><p>When asked which nations were included, USCIS referred to a White House proclamation issued earlier this year. The document lists Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia, Venezuela, Cuba and Haiti among the countries subject to increased scrutiny. Several other nations previously affected by travel or immigration restrictions — including Myanmar, Chad, Libya and the Republic of Congo — are also expected to fall under the expanded review.</p><p>The administration argues that these countries present higher security risks due to factors such as weak identity-verification systems, limited cooperation with US authorities, ongoing internal conflict, or high rates of visa overstays. In particular, Afghanistan was cited as lacking a stable government infrastructure capable of reliably issuing passports or validating official records.</p><h4><strong>Incident That Triggered the Announcement</strong></h4><p>The timing of the policy announcement is closely linked to the Washington, DC shooting. Authorities allege that the attacker was Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021. He reportedly arrived under Operation Allies Welcome, a programme designed to assist Afghans who worked alongside US military and intelligence forces during the war in Afghanistan.</p><p>One of the victims, 20-year-old National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom, later died from her injuries. President Trump described the attack as an act of terrorism and argued that it validated his administration’s approach to tougher immigration enforcement and expanded security deployments in major cities.</p><p>In response to the incident, the Federal Bureau of Investigation launched an international terrorism investigation. Agents searched properties linked to the suspect, seized electronic devices, and questioned family members in an effort to determine motive and possible connections.</p><h4><strong>Dispute Over Vetting Processes</strong></h4><p>While federal officials suggested that the suspect may have slipped through due to inadequate screening after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, refugee advocacy groups have challenged that claim. Organisations such as AfghanEvac argue that Afghan evacuees undergo some of the most thorough background checks of any migrant group entering the United States.</p><p>They also note that Lakanwal was granted asylum in April 2025 — during the Trump administration itself — raising questions about whether the issue lies with past policies or isolated enforcement failures.</p><h4><strong>Political and Public Reaction</strong></h4><p>The decision to review green cards has intensified political debate across the country. Supporters of the policy say it is a necessary step to protect public safety and restore confidence in the immigration system. Critics, however, warn that linking one violent act to entire nationalities risks stigmatizing millions of law-abiding immigrants who contribute to American society.</p><p>Meanwhile, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the deployment of an additional 500 National Guard troops to Washington, bringing the total force in the capital to 2,500.</p><p>As investigations continue, the expanded green card review reflects a broader shift toward stricter immigration controls. Whether the policy will lead to significant legal changes or face challenges in court remains to be seen, but it has already reignited a national conversation about security, immigration, and America’s responsibilities in a rapidly changing global landscape.</p>