The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is set to undertake an extensive review of all Green Cards issued to foreign nationals from countries deemed of concern, following a direct order from President Donald Trump.
The announcement was made by USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow via a post on social media platform X, where he stated, "Under the president's directive, I have mandated a thorough and complete reevaluation of each Green Card for every foreign national from each country of concern."
In a subsequent post on X, Edlow emphasized, "Protecting this nation and the American people remains a top priority, and citizens should not bear the consequences of the previous administration's reckless policies. The security of the United States is non-negotiable."
Trump's directive follows shortly after a tragic incident where two National Guard members were killed in a shooting near the White House in Washington, D.C.
Following the shooting, the FBI identified the assailant as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the United States with a special SIV visa during Operation Allies Refuge after the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.
President Trump condemned the attack, asserting that the perpetrator "will pay a very high price" for his actions. In a televised address, he stressed that the individual responsible for the deaths of the two National Guard members entered the country during Joe Biden's presidency.
Furthermore, he ordered a comprehensive review of all refugees admitted to the United States during Biden's administration.
It was previously reported that the U.S. government was preparing a shift in immigration policy that could complicate the process of obtaining Green Cards, asylum, parole, and other statuses for immigrants from countries on President Trump's travel ban list, which includes Cuba.
Key Questions About the USCIS Green Card Review
What prompted the USCIS Green Card review?
The review was prompted by a direct order from President Donald Trump following a tragic shooting incident near the White House, involving an attacker from Afghanistan.
Which countries are considered "countries of concern" in this review?
Countries of concern typically refer to those on President Trump's travel ban list, which includes nations like Cuba, among others.
How might this review affect Green Card holders?
The review could potentially complicate or delay the process for Green Card holders from countries of concern, as their status is reevaluated under stricter scrutiny.