Trump Administration Orders ‘Rigorous’ Re-examination of Green Cards from 19 ‘Countries of Concern’ Following D.C. Shooting

In the wake of the DC shooting, the Trump administration has announced a sweeping and immediate crackdown on immigration policy, ordering a “full-scale, rigorous re-examination” of every Green Card issued to nationals from 19 countries deemed “of concern” to national security.

The directive, issued by President Donald Trump to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph Edlow, follows the Shooting of two National Guard troops in Washington DC this week, allegedly by an Afghan national who entered the U.S. under a special immigration program.

“The protection of this country and of the American people remains paramount,” Director Edlow stated, emphasizing that the American people “will not bear the cost of the prior administration’s reckless resettlement policies.”

The 19 Countries Under Scrutiny after DC shooting

The 19 countries cited for the intensive review are the same nations named in a June White House proclamation that restricted foreign nationals from entering the U.S. to guard against “foreign terrorists and other national security and public safety threats.”

Full List of countries on green card review list: Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, Iran, Somalia, Venezuela, and others

• Afghanistan
• Cuba
• Haiti
• Iran
• Somalia
• Venezuela
• Myanmar (Burma)
• Chad
• Republic of the Congo
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eritrea
• Libya
• Sudan
• Yemen
• Burundi
• Laos
• Sierra Leone
• Togo
• Turkmenistan

The administration’s criteria for inclusion are tied to either severe security concerns, such as being controlled by designated terrorist groups like the Taliban, or documented high rates of business, student, and tourist visa overstays. The proclamation also noted the inability of some nations to issue secure identity documents or establish proper screening and vetting measures.

Response to the D.C. Shooting

Policy shifts related to green cards have been announced in the past. However, this policy shift was precipitated by Wednesday’s attack, where an Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, allegedly shot two National Guard members, one fatally, near the White House. Lakanwal came to the U.S. in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a resettlement program for Afghans following the U.S. withdrawal.

Hours after the shooting, the USCIS indefinitely suspended processing all immigration requests from Afghans pending a review of “security and vetting protocols.” The new Green Card re-examination applies not only to new applicants but also to every existing Green Card holder from the 19 countries listed.

President Trump condemned the DC shooting as an “act of terror,” stating that his administration must “re-examine every single alien who has entered our country… and must take all necessary measures to ensure the removal of any alien from any country who does not belong here or add benefit to our country.”

Advice for Green Card Holders: What to Expect

Immigration advocates and legal experts anticipate that the new directive will lead to unprecedented scrutiny, causing fear and uncertainty across affected communities. For current Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) from the 19 designated countries, here is what is expected and recommended:

1. Increased Scrutiny in All USCIS Proceedings

The USCIS has issued new guidance allowing officers to consider “country-specific factors” as a “significant negative factor” when reviewing immigration requests.

• For Pending Applications: Applications for immigration benefits, such as Green Card renewals (I-90), Naturalization (N-400), or travel documents, are likely to face substantial delays. Requests for Evidence (RFEs) are expected to increase, demanding more extensive documentation.
• The Review Process: The directive orders a “file-by-file review” of all lawful permanent residents from the 19 nations. While the law limits the government’s ability to automatically rescind permanent residency after five years, the administration is expected to look for any evidence of fraud, misrepresentation, or ineligibility in their original applications, or any subsequent criminal history, to initiate deportation proceedings.

2. Travel Risk at Ports of Entry (P.O.E.)

Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) are advised to exercise extreme caution when traveling outside the U.S.

• Extended Absences: An absence of more than six months from the U.S. has always been a “red flag” for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Under the new policy, this absence may be scrutinized even more closely to determine if the LPR has “abandoned” their residency.
• Secondary Inspection: LPRs returning from international travel, particularly those from the designated countries, should expect to be referred to secondary inspection for extensive questioning about their trips, ties to the U.S., and family.
• Recommendation: Limit international trips to under six months if possible. If an extended trip (over one year) is unavoidable, consult an immigration attorney about obtaining a Re-entry Permit (Form I-131) before departure.

3. Critical Legal Advice After DC Shooting

Immigration attorneys are universally advising permanent residents from the affected countries to take proactive legal steps:

• Consult Legal Counsel: Anyone with a pending application or considering applying for Naturalization should immediately consult an immigration attorney to review their file for potential issues.
• Do Not Travel Without Consultation: If you have any past criminal convictions—even minor offenses—or have been outside the U.S. for extended periods, do not travel without speaking to a lawyer first.
• Know Your Rights: If detained or questioned by CBP or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), you have the right to remain silent about political, religious beliefs, or past conduct, and the right to refuse to sign any documents that could compromise your status.

The policy, coming on the heels of the DC shooting, marks one of the most expansive immigration actions announced during the administration’s current term, broadening federal scrutiny beyond the border and into programs for people already legally living in the country.