WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — The Trump administration says it will launch a sweeping review of green cards issued to immigrants from 19 countries that the White House considers national security risks. The move follows a recent shooting in Washington, D.C., that officials say heightens concerns about current screening procedures.
Joseph Edlow, head of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, said President Donald Trump ordered a “full scale, rigorous re-examination” of all green cards issued to immigrants from countries of concern. When asked which nations are included, the agency pointed to a June proclamation that listed Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, Iran, Somalia and Venezuela. The list also names Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo and Libya.
The administration says these countries pose security risks because of weak government controls, limited cooperation with U.S. authorities and high visa overstay rates. The proclamation cites Afghanistan as a major concern, noting that the Taliban controls the country and that reliable identity documents are difficult to verify.
The review announcement comes after an Afghan national allegedly shot and injured two National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Authorities identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal. He entered the United States in 2021 through a special immigration program for Afghans after the U.S. withdrawal from Kabul.
Trump said the attack shows the urgency of tightening vetting and immigration enforcement. He repeated claims that the prior administration allowed millions of unvetted migrants into the country. He said the United States “cannot tolerate such a risk to our very survival.”
Edlow did not directly link the shooting to the review in his public statement, but he said protecting the country remains the administration’s top priority. He added that Americans “will not bear the cost of the prior administration’s reckless resettlement policies.”
The government has not said how the re-examination will unfold. Officials also have not explained whether the review could lead to green card revocations, new interviews, or changes to existing legal status. The lack of clarity has raised questions among legal experts and immigrant communities.
The June proclamation offers the clearest available insight. It called for tighter restrictions on foreign nationals from countries linked to terrorism or weak screening systems. The administration said it wants stronger safeguards to prevent threats before they reach the United States.
One day before Edlow’s announcement, the U.S. suspended processing all immigration requests from Afghans. The agency said it halted applications while it reviews “security and vetting protocols.” The pause affects Afghans seeking asylum, green cards and other immigration benefits.
Last week, the same agency launched a separate review of refugee admissions approved under former President Joe Biden. The administration says both actions are part of a broader effort to strengthen national security measures.
The new review of green card holders is likely to intensify the national debate over immigration. Supporters say the changes are necessary to prevent violence and protect citizens. Critics say the administration is creating fear and targeting immigrants based on nationality rather than evidence.
Immigrant rights groups warn the move could cause long-term uncertainty for lawful permanent residents who have built lives in the United States. Legal analysts say the government has the authority to review immigration files, but large-scale examinations of this kind are unusual.
Still, the Trump administration says it will move forward. Edlow said the review aims to ensure that every person who holds a green card from a country of concern meets current security standards.
