The Trump administration has launched a sweeping review of all permanent resident cards issued to individuals from Afghanistan and other designated “countries of concern,” marking a significant shift in immigration oversight that comes amid heightened security concerns.
The directive was announced Wednesday by Joseph Edlow, director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), who took to social media to outline the administration’s new stance on immigration vetting procedures.
“At the direction of @POTUS, I have directed a full scale, rigorous reexamination of every Green Card for every alien from every country of concern,” Edlow stated on X, formerly Twitter.
The timing of this announcement is particularly notable, coming just one day after a tragic incident near the White House that left two National Guard soldiers critically wounded. The suspect in the shooting has been identified as an Afghan national, adding urgency to discussions about immigration screening processes and national security protocols.
This comprehensive review represents one of the most extensive immigration policy overhauls since the administration took office, potentially affecting thousands of permanent residents who have already undergone the typically rigorous green card application process. The initiative signals the administration’s commitment to implementing what it describes as enhanced security measures for individuals from nations deemed to pose elevated risks.
The policy shift raises important questions about the scope and methodology of the review process. While USCIS has not yet released detailed information about which specific countries will be included in the “countries of concern” designation beyond Afghanistan, the announcement suggests a broad-reaching examination that could impact permanent residents from various nations.
For those affected, the review process may create uncertainty about their immigration status, even for individuals who have already completed the extensive background checks typically required for permanent residency. The green card application process traditionally involves multiple layers of security screening, including FBI background checks, biometric data collection, and interviews with immigration officials.
The announcement also reflects broader themes in the administration’s approach to immigration policy, emphasizing what officials describe as a security-first methodology to permanent residency and citizenship pathways. This latest directive builds upon previous immigration policy changes that have prioritized enhanced vetting procedures for individuals from certain regions.
Immigration advocates and legal experts are closely monitoring the situation, as the review could potentially affect the status of permanent residents who have already established lives, careers, and families in the United States. The full implications of this policy change will likely become clearer as USCIS releases additional guidance on implementation procedures and timelines.
The recent shooting incident that preceded this announcement has intensified national conversations about immigration screening processes and their effectiveness in identifying potential security risks. The case underscores the complex challenges facing immigration officials as they work to balance security concerns with America’s historic role as a destination for individuals seeking refuge and opportunity.
As this story continues to develop, affected individuals and their legal representatives are advised to stay informed about any changes to their status and to maintain current contact information with immigration authorities. The administration has indicated that additional details about the review process will be forthcoming in the days ahead.
