Following the shooting of two National Guard members by an Afghan national, President Trump has ordered a major review of all Biden-era asylum approvals and Green Cards from 19 high-risk countries.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!USCIS immediately implemented a new policy allowing officers to use an applicant’s home country as a “significant negative factor” in all immigration screenings. This change directly affects citizens from: Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia, Venezuela, Cuba, and 14 other listed nations.
The new, stricter vetting standards are effective immediately for all pending and new applications.
Homeland Security Announces New Vetting Standards and Comprehensive Review
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has initiated a broad review of immigration benefits, specifically targeting asylum approvals granted under the previous administration and Green Cards issued to citizens of 19 countries.
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow stated the action is a direct response to the recent Washington D.C. shooting involving an Afghan national who entered the country in 2021. The new USCIS guidance allows officers to consider an applicant’s home country—particularly its ability to issue secure documents or support background checks—as a significant negative factor in processing benefits. The 19 affected countries are those listed in Presidential Proclamation 10949.
The updated policy is now in effect for all pending and future requests as of November 27, 2025.
Sweeping New Rule Targets Immigrants from 19 Nations
In an unprecedented move following the DC shooting, President Trump has initiated a broad review that weaponizes an immigrant’s country of origin against them. The new USCIS guidance effectively punishes applicants from 19 specific nations—including Afghanistan, Haiti, Cuba, and Venezuela—by making their home country a “significant negative factor” in their immigration case.
This policy applies to all current and future applications and represents a major tightening of screening standards, raising serious questions about the fairness of future Green Card and asylum approvals. This is being framed as a necessary security measure following the actions of a single individual, the Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal.
