Administration Orders Review of Green Cards from “Countries of Concern”
In a move aimed at bolstering national security, the Trump administration has directed U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to conduct a thorough re-examination of green cards issued to individuals from nations identified as “countries of concern.” This announcement, made Thursday by USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow, reflects a commitment to carefully vetting those seeking to reside permanently in the United States.
The decision to review these green cards comes in the wake of growing concerns about the adequacy of screening processes for individuals from certain regions. A White House official pointed to a presidential proclamation issued earlier this year that listed 19 countries with screening and vetting procedures deemed insufficient. These nations face partial travel bans due to these security concerns.
Director Edlow described the directive as a “full-scale, rigorous reexamination,” underscoring the administration’s dedication to safeguarding the country.
The announcement follows a recent incident near the White House where two National Guard members were critically injured in a shooting. The suspect has been identified as an Afghan national who previously assisted U.S. forces and was resettled in the U.S. This incident has ignited debate about the effectiveness of current vetting procedures.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro stated that her office is actively investigating the suspect’s immigration history and the vetting processes that led to his admittance into the country.
The green card review will encompass all 19 countries named in the June presidential proclamation, which imposed a partial travel ban due to concerns about inadequate screening and vetting capabilities. These countries include Afghanistan, Iran, Venezuela, Haiti, Burundi, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Laos, among others.
Initial reports indicate the suspect in the recent shooting near the White House, is from the Khost province of Afghanistan, a Pashtun-majority region bordering Pakistan with an overwhelmingly Muslim population. Reports claim that during the attack, the shooter shouted “Allahu Akbar!” This has led some law enforcement officials to believe that the attack was likely motivated by radical Islam.
In addition to the green card review, the Trump administration has announced further measures including:
- An immediate suspension of all immigration processing for Afghan nationals, including pending asylum, refugee, and parole applications.
- A comprehensive review of approximately 233,000 refugees admitted during the Biden administration, with particular emphasis on those resettled after the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal.
- A reexamination of every asylum case approved between January 20, 2021, and January 20, 2025.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that President Trump is committed to utilizing all available resources to ensure that no individual posing a potential risk to the American people remains in the country.
USCIS has already commenced the process of gathering files for the reexamination process. While a specific timeline for completion has not been provided, the swift action demonstrates the administration’s dedication to addressing potential security vulnerabilities within the immigration system.
These measures reflect a commitment to prioritizing the safety and security of American citizens. By carefully examining existing immigration procedures and addressing potential vulnerabilities, the administration aims to ensure that those seeking to reside in the United States are thoroughly vetted and pose no threat to the nation. The move is expected to be praised by conservatives who advocate for stricter immigration controls and a more cautious approach to national security.
The review is likely to spark debate, with proponents arguing that it is a necessary step to protect the country, while critics may contend that it unfairly targets individuals from specific countries and could lead to discrimination. As the review progresses, it is anticipated that further details will emerge, shedding light on the scope, methodology, and potential impact of this significant undertaking.
