Innocent Afghans Face Broad Punishment After Deadly Attack

On November 26, Afghan citizen Rahmanullah Lakanwal shot two West Virginia National Guard members in Washington, D.C. U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstom later died from her injuries, while U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe remains in critical condition. The event prompted an immediate crackdown on Afghans residing in the U.S. and those allied with Americans abroad.

Mass Actions Target Afghans

On November 29, the Trump administration announced a halt to all asylum processing and visa issuance for Afghans, citing the need for maximum vetting. This suspension also affected the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program, which grants permanent residency to Afghans who supported U.S. efforts overseas.

The New York Times reported that an internal ICE email directed field offices to detain roughly 1,860 Afghans with finalized deportation orders. On December 1, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced plans to expand existing travel bans affecting Afghan nationals, while White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt indicated that all Afghans admitted under the Biden administration would be reviewed.

Despite claims from the Trump administration that Afghan arrivals under Operation Allies Welcome (OAW) were unvetted, in reality, 72,000 individuals underwent a multi-layered screening process including biometrics and multiple security checks at overseas hubs, U.S. airports, and military bases.

Data Contradict Alarmist Claims

Studies suggest Afghan immigrants pose little risk. A 2019 Cato Institute study found incarceration rates for Afghans aged 18-54 at 127 per 100,000, compared to 1,477 per 100,000 for native-born Americans. Furthermore, a 2024 Department of Health and Human Services report indicated that refugees brought a $123.8 billion net benefit to the U.S. between 2005 and 2019, contributing $581 billion in taxes versus $457.1 billion in government support.

Refugees incomes also rise over time: median household income starts at $30,500 in the first five years and grows to $71,400 after 20 years, surpassing the national median. Additionally, 13% of refugees become entrepreneurs, compared to 9% of U.S.-born residents, strengthening local communities.

Ongoing Policy Challenges

The Trump administration has long targeted Afghan nationals. Beginning January 20, executive orders suspended the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), leaving roughly 85,000 Afghans in uncertainty. Subsequent orders halted foreign aid and resettlement funding. Temporary Protected Status was later removed, and humanitarian parole granted to those evacuated in August 2021 was allowed to lapse in 2025, leaving many without legal status or work rights amid a backlog of 1.5 million asylum cases.

Nonprofit organizations have stepped in to fill gaps, funding flights and resettlement support for thousands of Afghans. Nevertheless, the Trump administrations cancellation of visa issuance threatens ongoing SIV and refugee programs, exposing Afghan partners and human rights workers to risk both abroad and inside the U.S.

Re-Examination of Afghan Refugees

Following the attack, the administration directed a comprehensive review of all refugees admitted between January 20, 2021, and February 20, 2025. Those not meeting criteria could have their status revoked, despite prior extensive vetting.

Perseverance Amid Hardship

Afghans resettling in the U.S. often face professional setbacks, needing to retrain or recertify to continue their careers. Nevertheless, many quickly achieve self-sufficiency, demonstrating resilience despite displacement, the collapse of Afghanistan, and uncertain legal status.

Personal stories reflect this determination. For example, an Afghan former doctor who aided U.S. forces during Operation Anaconda faced an uncertain future but eventually regained his medical license while supporting his family in the U.S. Such experiences highlight the dedication and contribution of Afghan allies.

These measures and policies illustrate the tension between national security concerns and the treatment of Afghan nationals who supported U.S. missions. Americans are encouraged to recognize the humanity and contributions of these individuals amidst broad political measures.

Author: Gavin Porter