On November 28, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced an immediate suspension of all immigration requests related to Afghan nationals, citing the need for a thorough review of security and vetting protocols. This decision was prompted by a shooting incident in Washington, D.C., where a gunman, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, attacked National Guard members. The agency emphasized that the protection and safety of American citizens is its primary focus.

The incident has raised significant concerns regarding the vetting processes for Afghan refugees, particularly those admitted during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. Joe Kent, director of the National Counterterrorism Center, stated that Lakanwal was not adequately vetted before entering the United States in 2021. He criticized the Biden administration's handling of the withdrawal, claiming that the vetting standards applied were insufficient compared to previous protocols used for Special Immigrant Visas. Kent noted that over 85,000 Afghans were admitted to the U.S. without the rigorous vetting processes that had been in place prior to the withdrawal, which he described as a dangerous combination in light of record border crossings.

Lakanwal's background has further complicated the narrative; he reportedly had connections to the CIA and was part of an elite Afghan counterterrorism unit known as NDS-03, which operated under U.S. oversight. His resettlement in the U.S. was facilitated by World Relief, a non-governmental organization funded by USAID. Critics have raised concerns about the implications of allowing individuals with potential ties to violence into the country, suggesting that U.S. agencies may not have exercised adequate judgment in their selection processes.

Advocates for Afghan migration have criticized the suspension of immigration requests, describing it as a form of collective punishment that undermines fair processes. Progressive voices, including writer Jill Filopivic, have highlighted the complexities of Afghan culture and the need for a nuanced understanding of individual actions rather than broad generalizations. Shawn VanDiver, head of AfghanEvec, emphasized that the actions of the gunman should not define the entire Afghan community, advocating for continued support for those seeking refuge in the U.S.

The incident and subsequent immigration policy shift reflect a broader tension in U.S. immigration discourse, particularly regarding the acceptance of migrants from regions perceived as underdeveloped or associated with violence. The Biden administration's approach to refugee resettlement, while aimed at assisting those fleeing conflict, has led to renewed scrutiny of the balance between humanitarian efforts and national security considerations.