US stops Afghan Immigration Request after Attack near White House
27th Nov. 2025
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has paused all immigration requests from Afghan nationals indefinitely, following a shooting near the White House. The shooting that left two National Guard soldiers critically injured. Furthermore, the agency announced the suspension on 27th November, 2025, on X.
Post said, “Effective immediately, processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals is stopped indefinitely pending further review of security and vetting protocols”. “The protection and safety of our homeland and of the American people remains our singular focus and mission,” Post concluded.
What happened near White House?
According to the police, the attack unraveled without warning. Assistant Chief Jeffery Carroll said the gunman “ambushed” the soldiers, explaining that he “came around the corner, raised his arm with a firearm and discharged at the National Guard members.” Soon after, the unexpected attack caused chaos in the crowded area, that trapped dozens of bystanders in the turmoil.
Witnesses who were present at that moment described a scene of panic and confusion. One witness said, “We heard gunshots. We were waiting at the traffic light, and there were several shots.” She added that moments later, “You could see National Guard running toward the metro with their weapons drawn.”
As emergency calls came in, security personnel rapidly moved into the shooting area. Officers armed with rifles established a perimeter behind yellow tape, while a helicopter circled overhead. In the meantime, the injured soldiers were quickly taken to hospitals, where they are in critical condition.
What is the US President’s take on the attack?
After hearing about the news, President Trump condemned the shooting as an “act of terror.” He argued that the suspect, whom he described as being from “hellhole Afghanistan,” would “pay a very steep price.” In a post on Truth Social, he said the attacker was also severely wounded during the confrontation.
Later, speaking from the White House, Trump confirmed that the shooter was an Afghan national who entered the US in 2021. Although he did not identify the individual. Another leading newspaper reported that the suspect is Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29. As per the information available, he entered the US under Operation Allies Welcome, a programme that began to support Afghans fleeing the Taliban’s takeover. Trump also emphasized that they re-examine every single alien who has entered the country from Afghanistan. They must take all necessary measures to ensure that not a single alien is left in the US.
The incident has increased scrutiny of the programme, particularly as officials reassess screening procedures. Furthermore, the suspension of Afghan immigration proceedings is one of the most significant moves taken since the operation began. It has already sparked broader debates about national security, refugee policy, and how to deal with high-risk candidates.
Web Resources on Attack near White House
1. NYTimes.com: Trump Administration Pauses Immigration From Afghanistan After D.C. Shooting
2. BBC.com: Two National Guard members in critical condition after shooting near White House
3. X.com: Official Page of USCIS
4. Truth Social: Donald Trump