The United States government has suspended all asylum decisions following a tragic incident in Washington DC, where an Afghan national allegedly shot two National Guard members. The shooting occurred near the White House on Wednesday, resulting in the death of 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom and serious injuries to 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, is accused of carrying out the attack, which has prompted a swift response from the US administration. US Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s office has announced that Lakanwal faces charges including first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed.
Political Repercussions and Policy Shifts
The incident has intensified political debates around immigration policies. Former President Donald Trump labeled the shooting a “terrorist attack” and criticized the Biden administration’s immigration policies, particularly the entry of Afghans who had assisted US forces during the Afghanistan war.
In response to the shooting, Trump officials have initiated comprehensive reviews of immigration policies. The former president has expressed a desire to “permanently pause migration” from poorer nations and expel millions of immigrants from the country.
“I will permanently pause migration from all Third World countries to allow the US system to fully recover,” Trump stated, though he did not specify which countries he considered “Third World.”
The Department of Homeland Security has been referred to a list of 19 countries under a June travel ban when questioned about these comments.
Operation Allies Welcome Under Scrutiny
The shooting has reignited scrutiny over “Operation Allies Welcome,” a Biden administration initiative that resettled approximately 76,000 Afghans following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Critics, including Trump, have raised concerns about potential gaps in the vetting process, though advocates argue that extensive vetting was conducted.
Joseph Edlow, director of US Citizenship and Immigration Services, announced on social media that all asylum decisions would be paused “until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible.”
Profile of the Suspect: Rahmanullah Lakanwal
Rahmanullah Lakanwal entered the US in 2021 through the Operation Allies Welcome program after working with the CIA during the Afghanistan war. Although he applied for asylum during the Biden administration, his asylum was approved under the Trump administration, according to #AfghanEvac.
Lakanwal had been residing in Bellingham, Washington, with his family. His former landlord, Kristina Widman, described him as a quiet individual, while neighbor Mohammad Sherzad noted that Lakanwal was polite and struggling to find work.
“He was so quiet and the kids were so polite, they were so playful. But we didn’t see anything bad about him,” Sherzad remarked, adding that Lakanwal had “disappeared” about two weeks prior to the shooting.
Lakanwal briefly worked as an independent contractor for Amazon Flex, delivering packages from late July to late August, according to an Amazon spokesperson.
Implications and Future Actions
The suspension of asylum claims marks a significant shift in US immigration policy, reflecting heightened security concerns. The move is likely to impact thousands of asylum seekers awaiting decisions on their cases.
The shooting and subsequent policy changes underscore the ongoing debate over immigration and national security. As the investigation continues, the implications for US immigration policy and international relations remain uncertain.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, the focus will be on ensuring the safety and security of its citizens while balancing humanitarian responsibilities.
