Key Takeaways
- The shooting of two National Guard soldiers in Washington, D.C. has sparked a national debate about U.S. immigration policy and the vetting process of Afghan nationals.
- The alleged attacker, 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was granted humanitarian parole in 2021 and later approved for asylum in April 2025.
- The Trump administration has halted all visa and immigration processing for Afghan nationals and ordered a review of green card cases for immigrants from 19 countries.
- The Biden administration’s effort to resettle tens of thousands of Afghan evacuees has been criticized for its vetting process, with some lawmakers raising concerns about the potential for security risks.
- Lakanwal’s immigration case highlights the complexities of the U.S. immigration system and the challenges of vetting individuals from countries with limited access to information.
Introduction to the Incident
The shooting of two National Guard soldiers in Washington, D.C. has sparked a national debate about U.S. immigration policy and the vetting process of Afghan nationals. The alleged attacker, 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was granted humanitarian parole in 2021 and later approved for asylum in April 2025. The Trump administration has cited the attack to further expand its government-wide immigration crackdown, halting all visa and immigration processing for Afghan nationals and ordering a review of green card cases for immigrants from 19 countries. However, critics argue that the administration is using the incident to justify its existing immigration policies rather than addressing the underlying issues.
The Vetting Process
Lakanwal’s immigration case highlights the complexities of the U.S. immigration system and the challenges of vetting individuals from countries with limited access to information. In September 2021, Lakanwal entered the U.S. as part of "Operation Allies Welcome," the Biden administration’s effort to resettle tens of thousands of Afghan evacuees airlifted from Kabul following the chaotic American military withdrawal and Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. He was granted humanitarian parole, which allowed him to live and work in the country legally for two-year increments. However, the vetting process undertaken by the Biden administration during the Afghan resettlement effort has been criticized for its shortcomings, with some lawmakers raising concerns about the potential for security risks.
Lakanwal’s Asylum Application
In December 2024, Lakanwal applied for asylum with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), arguing that he would face persecution if returned to Afghanistan. His application would have been another opportunity for the U.S. government to vet his case. The USCIS asylum vetting process generally involves the collection of biometrics, a review of social media activity, FBI background checks, and other screenings. However, the vast majority of Afghan asylum cases are approved, with 96% of cases decided by USCIS since the summer of 2021 being granted. Lakanwal’s asylum application was approved in April 2025, granting him and any derivative immediate relatives asylee status.
The Aftermath of the Attack
The attack has raised questions about the effectiveness of the vetting process and whether the U.S. government missed any red flags about Lakanwal’s potential for violence. The Trump administration has blamed the Biden administration for allowing Lakanwal to enter the U.S. in 2021, while critics of President Trump have faulted his government for approving Lakanwal’s asylum case earlier this year. However, a review of Lakanwal’s immigration case suggests that there were several opportunities for federal authorities, under both administrations, to vet Lakanwal and identify any potentially concerning information. The case highlights the need for a more comprehensive and effective vetting process, as well as the importance of addressing the underlying issues driving immigration to the U.S.
The Future of Immigration Policy
The attack has also sparked a national debate about U.S. immigration policy and the need for reform. The Trump administration’s decision to halt all visa and immigration processing for Afghan nationals and order a review of green card cases for immigrants from 19 countries has been criticized as an overreaction. However, the incident has also highlighted the need for a more nuanced and effective approach to immigration policy, one that balances national security concerns with the need to provide a safe and welcoming environment for refugees and asylum seekers. As the U.S. government grapples with the complexities of immigration policy, it is clear that a comprehensive and bipartisan approach will be needed to address the underlying issues driving immigration to the U.S. and to ensure that the country remains a beacon of hope and opportunity for those seeking a better life.
