US orders sweeping review of Green Cards after DC shooting

By Manisha Sahu | America News World
Published: November 28, 2025

The Trump administration has announced a sweeping new review of Green Cards issued to immigrants from what it calls “countries of concern,” raising fresh anxieties among lawful permanent residents, including thousands of Indians living in the United States. The move comes just days after an Afghan national allegedly shot two National Guard service members near the White House, prompting the administration to tighten security protocols and revisit long-standing immigration processes.

The U.S. government issues Green Cards — officially called Permanent Resident Cards — which provide immigrants with lawful permanent resident status. (Representational image)

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph Edlow confirmed the development on Thursday, stating that President Donald Trump has instructed the agency to conduct a “full-scale, rigorous reexamination” of every Green Card issued to immigrants falling under this categorisation. The announcement, made on social media, immediately set off discussions among legal experts, immigrant communities and advocacy groups.

What the Trump Administration Has Announced

“At the direction of @POTUS, I have directed a full scale, rigorous reexamination of every Green Card for every alien from every country of concern,” Edlow wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

He added that the administration’s priority is to safeguard American citizens, stressing that “American safety is non-negotiable.” In his statement, Edlow blamed the previous Biden administration for “reckless resettlement policies” that, he argued, increased security vulnerabilities.

The announcement indicates that USCIS will now revisit previously approved applications of permanent residency. This includes verifying background checks, reassessing documentation, reviewing past immigration benefits, and examining individuals who may have obtained permanent residence through humanitarian programs.

Why This Review Is Being Conducted Now

The decision follows a shocking incident earlier this week in which two National Guard service members stationed near the White House were shot by an Afghan national. The suspect was subdued, and authorities later confirmed that there was no second perpetrator involved.

While the motive remains unclear, the incident reignited debates on refugee admissions, national security, and immigration policies. President Trump, who has already taken a stringent stand on border control and asylum pathways since returning to office, reportedly demanded immediate scrutiny of previous immigration approvals from regions viewed as potential security risks.

This review appears to be part of the administration’s broader goal of revisiting immigration benefits granted in the last decade, especially during the Biden era.

Will Indians Be Affected? Understanding “Countries of Concern”

One of the key questions circulating among immigrant communities is whether India falls under the “countries of concern” category.

Historically, the United States has used this term to describe nations associated with national security concerns, terrorism-linked activities, or inconsistent identity verification systems. This list has included Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Somalia, Yemen, and several Middle Eastern and African nations. India has not traditionally been classified under this group.

However, because the Trump administration has not yet publicly released the updated list, uncertainty remains. Immigration lawyers say that unless India is added to this category—which is considered highly unlikely—most Indian Green Card holders and applicants should not face direct repercussions.

Yet there is a secondary concern: will the review slow down processing for everyone?

Experts say it is possible. A full-scale review within USCIS would typically require reallocation of personnel and resources, which might lead to delays in interviews, adjudications, and approvals across the board—including employment-based visas, family-sponsored categories, and pending Green Card applications.

What the Review Means for Existing Green Card Holders

For those who already hold a Green Card, the immediate question is whether their immigration status is at risk.

According to immigration experts:

– Existing Green Cards cannot be cancelled arbitrarily.

– USCIS must identify clear grounds such as fraud, security threats, or misrepresentation.

– Those from countries deemed “high-risk” may see more detailed background checks, review of travel history, or requests for updated documentation.

However, for most lawful permanent residents who live, work, and pay taxes in the US, the chances of revocation without cause remain low. Still, the heightened scrutiny means individuals should ensure their documents are in order, tax filings are up-to-date, and travel patterns do not raise red flags.

Impact on Pending Green Card Applicants

Applicants awaiting Green Card approval—especially those under employment-based categories like EB-2 and EB-3, where Indians form one of the largest groups—are concerned about potential delays.

If the “full-scale review” requires USCIS officers to revisit previously-approved cases, adjudication timelines could stretch significantly. Many Indian professionals, particularly in the tech sector, already face decade-long waiting periods due to country-based quotas.

A new administrative review process may add additional layers of screening, postponing decisions by weeks or even months.

Political Reactions and Concerns from Advocacy Groups

Immigration advocacy groups have strongly criticized the move, calling it unnecessary and politically charged. Many argue that conflating an isolated criminal act with broader immigration policies fuels fear among already vulnerable communities.

Civil rights organizations also expressed concern that terms like “countries of concern” lack transparency and may lead to profiling based on nationality.

Meanwhile, supporters of the administration argue that in the face of rising global instability, the US must take every step necessary to safeguard national interests.

What Happens Next?

USCIS is expected to release additional guidance in the coming days outlining:

– Which countries are considered “of concern”

– How the reexamination process will function

– Whether individuals will be contacted directly

– Potential implications for pending applications

For now, officials maintain that the review is geared toward national security, not widespread status revocations.

Immigration attorneys advise Green Card holders and applicants to avoid panic, stay updated with official USCIS announcements, and consult legal counsel if they receive any notices.

The Trump administration’s decision to order a nationwide Green Card re-examination marks one of the most extensive immigration reviews in recent American history. While the policy is aimed at individuals from specific regions, ripple effects may be felt across the immigration system, including by Indian nationals.

With clarity still awaited on the countries included in the review and the procedures involved, millions of immigrants will be watching closely as USCIS prepares its next steps.