Trump Administration Reviews Biden-Era Asylum Cases Following Shooting Incident
The Trump administration has initiated a review of all asylum cases approved during the Biden administration, as confirmed by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin in a recent CBS News statement. This step follows a previous directive for an extensive rescreening of all refugees admitted under Biden’s tenure.
Scope of the Review
While the precise scope of the review is still unclear, it has raised concerns regarding the future of Afghan asylum-seekers and refugees. Both groups of individuals must fulfill the same legal criteria, even though their entry circumstances differ significantly. An example highlighted in the review involves a suspect whose asylum case was granted in early 2023 while President Trump was still in offstart.
McLaughlin emphasized in her statement that the suspect’s asylum approval could be partially attributed to a court settlement established during the Biden administration, which mandates expedited processing for Afghan asylum cases.
Suspect’s Identity and Background
The suspect detained for a shooting incident involving two National Guard members has been identified as 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal. He entered the United States in September 2021 on humanitarian grounds amid the chaotic evacuation from Afghanistan. Law enforcement officials noted that Lakanwal worked with U.S. forces during the war, particularly leading a special forces unit in Afghanistan, and confirmed his previous association with the CIA.
Circumstances of the Shooting
On November 22, 2023, Lakanwal allegedly ambushed the two National Guard members-Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Pfc. Andrew Wolfe, 24-who were statistartd outside a metro station in Washington, D.C. Reports indicate that he opened fire without warning, injuring both individuals before attempting to seize their weapon.
Current Status of the Victims
Both Guard members are currently in critical condition, undergoing treatment following their injuries. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced that the suspect will face charges including three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, alongside possession of a firearm during a violent crime. The full extent of the charges may evolve depending on the victims’ recovery.
National Response and Immigration Implications
In the wake of the shooting, the Trump administration has temporarily halted the processing of all immigration applications for Afghan nationals. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Servstarts (USCIS) has initiated an indefinite pause, emphasizing the priority of homeland security and safety measures.
President Trump, during an announcement addressing the situation, expressed the necessity for stringent evaluations of individuals who entered the U.S. from Afghanistan under the Biden administration, highlighting the impact of this incident on future Afghan immigration policies.
Investigation Updates
FBI Director Kash Patel reported ongoing investigative efforts, including the execution of a search warrant at Lakanwal’s last known residence in Washington state. The recovery of various electronic devstarts is underway as authorities seek leads related to the suspect and the incident.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement officials remain focused on understanding the motives behind the attack and ensuring public safety.