Following a recent tragic incident involving an Afghan national accused of shooting two National Guard members, concern has spread among the Afghan community in the United States. This shooting has prompted the Trump administration to intensify its scrutiny of Afghan immigration policies, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the lives of many Afghans residing in the country.
Impact of the Incident on Afghan Nationals
On a national level, Afghans expressed their condolences to the families of the victims, 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom and 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe. Despite their sorrow, community members criticize the administration’s response to the shooting, fearing unjust repercussions for all Afghans based on the actions of one individual.
Government Response and Policy Changes
- The suspected shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is an Afghan asylee.
- Following the incident, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) paused asylum decisions for applicants from 19 high-risk countries, including Afghanistan.
- Immigration, including processing for Green Cards and visa issuance for Afghan nationals, has been halted indefinitely.
Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Maulvi Amir Khan Muttaqi, condemned the shooting as “an individual act” that reflects poorly on neither the Afghan populace nor its values. Yahya Haqiqi, the president of the Afghan Support Network in Oregon, voiced that the larger Afghan community should not bear the blame for one person’s actions.
Concerns Among Afghans in the U.S.
Community leaders report heightened anxiety. Afghans worry about unfair targeting by immigration officials and the potential jeopardization of their legal status. Many have been reaching out for answers regarding ongoing immigration processes and the fate of their family members still in Afghanistan.
Personal Stories Highlight Distress
Individuals like an Afghan father in Portland, a Green Card holder, expressed fear about his immigration status. He is concerned that the increased scrutiny could lead to backlash against innocent Afghans who have fled to the U.S. seeking safety.
Another Afghan national in Florida shared similar sentiments, emphasizing that the actions of one individual should not lead to collective punishment for all Afghans. Abdullah Khan, who previously served alongside U.S. Special Forces, stated, “This is one bad person. The government should not treat us like we are all the same.”
A Call for Understanding
Abdul Wahid Gulrani, a visiting scholar at George Washington University, highlighted that Afghans who have settled in the U.S. are primarily law-abiding individuals. He underscored the importance of recognizing the dedication of many Afghan newcomers who strive to integrate and contribute positively to American society.
The recent tragedy has drawn attention to significant concerns surrounding Afghan immigration in the U.S. Community members are not only mourning but are also advocating for fair treatment and understanding within immigration policies. They seek an acknowledgment that the actions of one individual do not define an entire community.
