Washington D.C. – The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a comprehensive review of all permanent residency cards (Green Cards) issued to individuals originating from what officials are terming “countries of concern.” This decision follows heightened security concerns and comes on the heels of recent incidents.
According to a statement released by USCIS, the review, initiated at the direction of President Trump, will involve a thorough re-examination of each Green Card holder’s file from these designated nations. While the specific countries targeted by this review have not been publicly disclosed, the move has sparked considerable debate and speculation.
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow stated on social media platform X that he has ordered a “complete, thorough, and meticulous re-vetting of every Green Card for every alien from every country of concern.” The Green Card allows foreign nationals to live and work permanently in the United States.
A press release from USCIS alluded to a list of “19 high-risk countries” without explicitly naming them. It referenced a presidential decree issued in June that imposed entry bans on individuals from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, and Somalia, and partial restrictions on citizens from seven others, including Cuba and Venezuela.
The announcement coincides with the suspension of processing all immigration applications related to Afghan nationals, which was implemented following a shooting incident near the White House involving two National Guard members. One soldier, Sarah Beckstrom, tragically died from her injuries, while another, Andrew Wolff, remains in critical condition.
Authorities have identified the suspect in the shooting as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who previously worked with the CIA in Afghanistan and was resettled in the United States after the US withdrawal. This incident has fueled calls for stricter vetting procedures for individuals entering the country under similar programs.
The review is expected to be a lengthy process, and further details regarding the specific procedures and timelines will be released by USCIS in the coming weeks. The announcement has already drawn criticism from immigration advocacy groups who argue that it unfairly targets individuals based on their national origin.
