The Trump administration has launched a sweeping review of green cards issued to immigrants from 19 designated countries, citing national security concerns following a recent shooting involving an Afghan national in Washington, D.C. USCIS will conduct a complete reassessment of permanent residents from these countries as part of a broad federal vetting initiative.
USCIS Begins Nationwide Reassessment of Green Card Holders
The administration has instructed U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to conduct a rigorous review of all green cards issued to nationals from 19 countries identified in a June White House proclamation. Officials describe the effort as a comprehensive reassessment designed to ensure that past vetting procedures align with the security standards the administration now considers essential.
The list includes Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, Iran, Somalia, Venezuela, Burma, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Libya, and other countries designated due to terrorism concerns, high visa overstay rates, or limited civil documentation systems. Federal officials noted that many of these countries have been on watchlists for years due to instability, governance challenges, or limited cooperation with U.S. identity verification efforts.
Although the announcement followed the incident in Washington in which two National Guard members were critically injured, USCIS emphasized that the reassessment is part of a broader policy posture. The agency described the review as a forward-looking security measure rather than a direct response to any case.
Security Concerns Highlighted After Recent Attack
Federal authorities said the shooting reinforced what they view as long-standing gaps within earlier vetting systems. President Donald Trump called the attack a significant national security threat and said the government must re-examine green cards from “every country of concern” to prevent similar incidents.
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow added that safeguarding the country remains the administration’s highest priority. He referenced concerns about past resettlement and admission procedures, suggesting that policies implemented during previous administrations lacked the level of scrutiny now required. He did not provide specifics regarding how the reassessment will be carried out, whether interviews will be necessary, or what criteria will determine whether a green card holder will undergo additional review.
Criteria for Countries of Concern
The June presidential proclamation mentioned several reasons for designating countries. These include increased terrorism activity, lack of cooperation with U.S. verification systems, poor national documentation, and high rates of visa overstays. Afghanistan was specifically noted because of Taliban control, issues with civil registry systems, and limited ability to support identity verification efforts.
Other countries listed, such as Burma, Chad, the Republic of Congo, and Libya, were noted for similar problems. The review will apply to all green card holders from these countries, though officials have not indicated whether the reassessment could ultimately result in revocations, extended background checks, or new documentation requirements. The lack of operational details has contributed to uncertainty for affected permanent residents.
Expanded Federal Vetting Measures
The green card review is one of several actions the administration has launched in recent weeks. Last week, USCIS announced a large-scale review of all refugees admitted under the Biden administration, covering entries from January 20, 2021, to February 20, 2025. Officials said the effort is intended to confirm that all admissions comply with updated national security and screening protocols.
Additionally, immigration processing for Afghan nationals has been temporarily suspended while vetting procedures are updated. Together, these measures mark one of the most significant periods of federal scrutiny aimed at immigrant and refugee populations in recent years. This indicates a broader change in immigration enforcement priorities.
Looking Ahead
Analysts expect the green card reassessment to cause uncertainty for affected lawful permanent residents, many of whom have lived in the United States for a long time. More information is anticipated as USCIS finalizes review procedures and clarifies the next steps.
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