Argus News - US Halts Processing Afghan Immigration Requests After 'Terror Attack' On White House

Washington, Nov 27: Following the shooting incident near the White House in Washington, the United States has announced an indefinite halt to all immigration requests involving Afghan nationals.

The development was also confirmed by the US citizenship and immigration services (USCIS).

Confirming the decision, the USCIS in a post on X, said: "Effective immediately, processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals is stopped indefinitely pending further review of security and vetting protocols."

"The protection and safety of our homeland and of the American people remains our singular focus and mission," the post read further. The shooting, described by officials as an “ambush-style attack,” took place near the White House on Wednesday.

Also read: National Guard Shot Near White House, Donald Trump Calls it an “Act of Terror”

While the suspect in custody has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who reportedly entered the U.S. in 2021.

According to reports, the suspect had entered the United States during the chaotic collapse of the Afghan government in Kabul, when American forces were frantically evacuating thousands of people as the Taliban seized control of the country.

The 29-year-old was part of Operation Allies Welcome, the Biden-era program that resettled tens of thousands of Afghans after the US withdrawal from the country, officials said.