The U.S. government has announced a sweeping new directive ordering strict re-screening of all green-card holders and applicants from 19 countries considered “of concern.” The move comes in the aftermath of a deadly shooting involving members of the National Guard near the White House in Washington, D.C., an incident that has reignited national security debates across the country.
According to officials, the suspect involved in the attack was reportedly a national of Afghanistan, prompting the administration to demand a comprehensive review of immigration vetting procedures. The White House has characterized the shooting as an act of terrorism, arguing that it highlighted deep flaws in previous screening systems for asylum seekers, refugees, and certain categories of visa holders.
A Direct Order from the Administration
The directive was issued through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), whose leadership confirmed that the President ordered an immediate and “full-scale, rigorous reexamination” of all existing green cards belonging to nationals of the 19 designated countries. This includes those who have been lawful permanent residents for years, as well as individuals currently applying for immigration benefits.
Officials stated that, under the new rules, an applicant’s country of origin will now be treated as a “significant negative factor” in evaluating eligibility for immigration benefits. This marks a notable shift in U.S. immigration policy, which traditionally emphasized individual conduct and background rather than nationality alone.
The 19 Countries on the List
The countries now subject to enhanced scrutiny include:
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Afghanistan
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Burma (Myanmar)
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Chad
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Republic of the Congo
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Equatorial Guinea
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Eritrea
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Haiti
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Iran
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Libya
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Somalia
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Sudan
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Yemen
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Burundi
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Cuba
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Laos
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Sierra Leone
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Togo
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Turkmenistan
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Venezuela
These countries were previously identified as having insufficient security, identity-verification capabilities, or high rates of immigration violations. Many are conflict-affected or developing nations, making the decision particularly impactful for their diaspora communities in the United States.
Impact on Immigrants and Green-Card Holders
Immigration experts warn that the new directive could affect hundreds of thousands of people already living legally in the United States. Green-card holders from the listed countries may now undergo renewed background checks, interviews, and document verification. In extreme cases, permanent residency could be revoked if USCIS identifies discrepancies or considers the individual a potential security risk.
For those still awaiting green-card approval, the pathway is expected to become longer and more difficult. Processing times are likely to increase due to the additional layers of review, while approval rates may drop significantly for applicants from the affected nations.
The administration has also paused, or heavily slowed, asylum and refugee processing for individuals from high-risk countries, with Afghanistan singled out for even stricter controls.
Background: A Broader Shift in Immigration Policy
The latest decision builds on a broader shift in immigration policy that began earlier in the year. A presidential proclamation issued in mid-2025 imposed partial or full entry restrictions on foreign nationals from specific countries on national-security grounds. The new screening order expands that approach by targeting not just incoming travelers but also long-time residents who had previously passed background checks.
Federal officials argue that better data-sharing, improved identity verification, and enhanced cooperation with foreign governments are necessary to prevent future security lapses.
Growing Concerns and Criticism
The directive has sparked immediate controversy. Immigrant-rights advocates say the policy amounts to collective punishment based solely on nationality, rather than individual behavior or evidence. They argue that using country of origin as a major negative factor violates principles of fairness and may disproportionately harm refugees and those fleeing conflict.
Some legal scholars believe the directive could face challenges in federal court, particularly if green-card revocations are pursued without clear evidence of individual wrongdoing.
Affected communities have expressed fear and uncertainty as families worry about how the new rules will impact their status. Many who have lived and worked in the U.S. for years now face the possibility of intrusive reviews or, in rare cases, deportation.
What Happens Next
Observers are watching closely to see how aggressively the new rules will be enforced. Key questions include:
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How many green-card holders will actually face revocation?
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Will more countries be added to the list?
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What legal challenges might emerge in response to the directive?
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How will the new screening impact U.S. relations with the affected nations?
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What will be the long-term effects on immigrant communities and the labor market?
The coming weeks and months are expected to reveal the full scope and consequences of this sweeping policy change. For many immigrants from the 19 countries, the future is now uncertain as they await further instructions from USCIS and hope that their long-established lives in the United States remain secure.
