In the wake of the tragic shooting of two National Guard members, President Donald Trump is enacting significant reforms aimed at tightening immigration vetting procedures. This incident, which resulted in the death of one service member and left another in critical condition, has sparked a renewed focus on national security issues linked to immigration.
The alleged shooter, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered the U.S. as part of Operation Allies Welcome, a program created by the Biden administration to facilitate the resettlement of Afghan nationals following the withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. This case has prompted President Trump to emphasize the need for a comprehensive reevaluation of vetting processes for refugees, especially those hailing from the Middle East and Africa. His statement reflects a growing concern over national security in relation to immigration policies.
Trump’s determination to “reexamine every single alien from Afghanistan who has entered our country under Biden” underscores his administration’s intention to ensure that only individuals who contribute positively to the country remain. By introducing the term “remigration,” he frames the discussion around potential deportations for individuals who do not meet stringent vetting criteria. This language signals a shift toward a more aggressive stance on immigration enforcement.
The proposed measures include halting visa and green card approvals for nationals from twelve countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, based on alleged deficiencies in identity verification and security data sharing. This move targets not only new applicants but also those already living legally in the United States, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to security—albeit at the cost of potentially impacting many legal residents.
In conjunction with Trump’s announcements, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Joe Edlow issued a memo detailing a thorough review and re-interview process for approximately 200,000 refugees who entered the U.S. between January 20, 2021, and February 20, 2025. This suspension of green card applications for these individuals further emphasizes the administration’s heightened security scrutiny.
During a segment on Fox News, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro criticized the Biden administration’s vetting processes. She stated bluntly, “If you think there was vetting, I have a bridge to sell you,” highlighting the disorder that characterized the Kabul airport during the chaotic withdrawal. Her assertion that about 90,000 Afghan nationals entered without appropriate background checks connects back to ongoing concerns regarding vetting failures that may have implications for public safety.
The administration’s response to this shooting incident reflects Trump’s broader narrative that national security must take precedence. The announcement to suspend Afghan refugee and asylum application processing illustrates the potential for significant changes in how the U.S. manages its immigration system in the wake of security concerns. By focusing on stringent vetting measures and reinforcing immigration enforcement, Trump aims to reassure the public that safety remains a top priority in his administration’s agenda.
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