The BRICS TimesUrgent Review Ordered for Afghan Applicants as US Acts Following White House Security Incident.
Donald Trump’s administration immediately suspended all immigration requests from Afghanistan residents. This action followed a shooting near the White House in Washington D.C., targeting two National Guardsmen. Trump suggested every Afghan seeking entry into the US should undergo a full review. US officials confirmed the shooter in Washington was an Afghan national.
Terror Attack Identified by US Officials
The US Department of Homeland Security labeled the incident a terrorist attack. They identified the suspect as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Laknwal. He is an Afghan citizen who arrived in the United States in 2021. The incident occurred while Donald Trump was away. He was in Florida for a Thanksgiving event at the time.
Immigration Process for Afghan Citizens Halted
This new policy places thousands of Afghan refugees in an uncertain holding pattern. It follows an earlier travel ban by Trump this year affecting Afghanistan and eleven other nations. Many were hoping to move to the US after the Taliban regained control in 2021. Ejaz is one such individual. He worked at the Afghan airport with NATO forces before the Taliban takeover. He later traveled to Pakistan, hoping to get a US visa and resettle. Ejaz has been waiting there for four years now.
Fear Spreads Among Refugees in Pakistan
Ejaz shared his fears in an interview with Arab News. “We have no future in Pakistan,” he stated. “Our only hope was reaching the US.” Being a former soldier, he cannot safely return. “If I go back, the Taliban will kill me,” he added. “I have no way to return.” He believes America’s decision on Afghan immigration is unfair. “We are very scared and want this rule changed,” Ejaz pleaded. “I beg them (Trump administration) to carefully check our cases. Do not punish the innocent for one person’s fault. Do not leave us alone. Our situation is very bad.”
