The shift comes after earlier restrictions on Afghan refugee resettlement and the entry of Afghan nationals implemented during the first year of the Trump administration.
Washington DC, November 28, 2025-BNN Web Staff: The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced new immigration review guidelines following the shooting of two National Guard members by an Afghan national on the eve of Thanksgiving.
The revised policy authorises USCIS officers to consider country-specific risk factors for applicants from 19 designated nations.
In a statement issued on Thursday (local time), USCIS said that officials will now take into account relevant security conditions linked to these countries when exercising discretionary authority over immigration requests.
The shift comes after earlier restrictions on Afghan refugee resettlement and the entry of Afghan nationals implemented during the first year of the Trump administration.
The updated policy takes effect immediately and applies to all pending and newly filed applications as of November 27.
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow criticised the Biden administration, alleging it weakened vetting protocols over the past four years.
“Yesterday’s horrific incident shows how the previous administration diluted critical screening procedures. The Trump administration’s priority is the safety of American citizens,” Edlow said.
“USCIS officers are now directed to treat country-specific indicators as significant negative factors in immigration decisions. American lives come first.”
He also posted on X that the agency will aggressively re-evaluate Green Cards issued to nationals from countries of concern.
USCIS noted that the changes support President Trump’s Presidential Proclamation 10949, which restricts entry of foreign nationals considered potential threats to national security or public safety.
The agency said the strengthened guidance will help officers more effectively determine whether an individual poses such risks.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump confirmed the death of one of the two National Guard members shot near the White House.
The deceased soldier, US Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom of West Virginia, succumbed to her injuries.
“Sarah was a highly respected, remarkable young woman who began her service in June 2023. She’s no longer with us,” Trump said during a Thanksgiving call with service members.
The second victim, 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, remains in critical condition.
Trump condemned the attack as an “act of terror” and criticised former President Joe Biden’s immigration approach, claiming the accused had arrived in the US from Afghanistan in 2021.
Authorities identified the suspect as 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who investigators believe acted alone.
