Washington D.C. – The Trump administration has initiated a comprehensive green card crackdown following a shooting incident near the White House involving an Afghan national. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph Edlow announced that he has directed a “full-scale, rigorous reexamination of every Green Card for every alien from every country of concern” at President Donald Trump’s request, marking a significant shift in immigration policy.
Catalyst for Policy Change
The green card crackdown comes in direct response to a tragic security incident that occurred Wednesday near the White House in Washington, DC. Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal opened fire at two National Guard service members, resulting in the death of US Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, while US Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in critical condition.
Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 as part of a program from the previous administration that evacuated and resettled thousands of Afghans following the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Significantly, his asylum was approved after Trump became president, adding complexity to the political narrative surrounding the green card crackdown.
USCIS Director’s Statement
Director Joseph Edlow issued a strong statement on social media platform X, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to national security through this green card crackdown. “At the direction of @POTUS, I have directed a full scale, rigorous reexamination of every Green Card for every alien from every country of concern,” Edlow declared.
The USCIS director sharply criticized the previous administration’s approach to refugee resettlement. “The protection of this country and of the American people remains paramount, and the American people will not bear the cost of the prior administration’s reckless resettlement policies. American safety is non-negotiable,” he added, framing the green card crackdown as a necessary security measure.
Scope of the Review
The green card crackdown represents an unprecedented examination of immigration status for individuals from designated high-risk nations. The new policy guidance enables USCIS officials to consider country-specific factors from 19 designated ‘high-risk countries’ during the review of immigration requests. This comprehensive approach aims to identify potential security threats among current green card holders.
USCIS, which operates under the Department of Homeland Security, stated in its announcement that the policy guidance takes effect immediately and applies to requests pending or filed on or after November 27. This swift implementation demonstrates the urgency the administration places on the green card crackdown measures.
Also Read: US Ends Immigration From Afghanistan: Dramatic Action After White House Attack
Designated High-Risk Countries
The green card crackdown specifically targets individuals from 19 countries identified as presenting elevated security concerns. These nations are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Burundi, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, and Yemen.
These are the same countries that Trump announced a travel ban on in a proclamation issued in June this year, establishing a consistent pattern in the administration’s immigration policy. The green card crackdown essentially extends existing travel restrictions into a broader review of immigration status for individuals already residing in the United States.
Impact on Indian Community
A critical question for many observers concerns whether Indians will be affected by the green card crackdown. The answer is definitively no. Indians residing in the United States will not be affected by this comprehensive review of green card holders. India does not appear on the list of 19 designated high-risk countries subject to the enhanced scrutiny measures.
This exemption provides significant relief to the substantial Indian immigrant community in the United States, many of whom hold green cards or are in various stages of the immigration process. The green card crackdown’s limited scope to specific nations means Indian nationals can proceed with their immigration processes without additional concerns stemming from this policy change.
Understanding Green Cards
The US government issues Green Cards, also known as Permanent Residence Cards, which grant holders lawful permanent resident status. This status provides a pathway to US citizenship after a set period, typically three to five years, and allows individuals to reside and work in the country indefinitely. The green card crackdown puts these privileges under renewed scrutiny for individuals from designated countries.
Green card holders enjoy numerous benefits, including the ability to live and work anywhere in the United States, sponsor certain relatives for immigration, and eventually apply for citizenship. The green card crackdown potentially places these rights in jeopardy for thousands of individuals from the 19 targeted nations.
Political Context
The green card crackdown reflects broader tensions within American immigration policy. The Trump administration has consistently blamed the Biden administration for what it characterizes as insufficiently rigorous vetting procedures, particularly regarding Afghan refugees evacuated during the 2021 withdrawal. This latest policy initiative represents the administration’s attempt to address perceived security vulnerabilities in the immigration system.
Implementation Timeline
The immediate implementation of the green card crackdown means affected individuals may face enhanced scrutiny beginning November 27. USCIS officials will conduct comprehensive reviews of existing green card holders from the 19 designated countries, examining their backgrounds, activities, and potential security concerns. The full scope and duration of these reexaminations remain unclear, though the administration has emphasized thoroughness over speed in conducting the green card crackdown.
