In a move reflecting the tightening of immigration policies under his administration, former US President Donald Trump announced a comprehensive review of all permanent resident cards, known as "green cards," granted to citizens of more than 12 countries designated as "of concern." This decision came as a direct response to a shooting incident in Washington, D.C., involving a man of Afghan descent.
Joseph Edlow, then director of U.S. Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS), confirmed this approach in an official statement, saying, “I have directed a thorough and comprehensive review of all permanent resident status for every foreign national from every country of concern.” He added that this review aims to ensure the safety and security of the United States by more rigorously vetting immigrants’ backgrounds.
Background to the decision and its general policy
This decision was not isolated, but rather part of a broader set of policies adopted by the Trump administration regarding immigration and national security. From the beginning of his term, Trump placed immigration issues at the forefront of his agenda, issuing a series of executive orders aimed at restricting entry for citizens of several countries, most of them predominantly Muslim, in what became known in the media as the “travel ban.”.
The list of “countries of concern” was not entirely new, but the Trump administration expanded its scope and tightened the associated measures. This list included countries such as Afghanistan, the country of origin of the suspected shooter, as well as other countries in the Middle East and Africa. The administration based its designation of these countries on assessments of terrorism risks and their perceived lack of cooperation in sharing security information with the United States.
Potential impacts on migrants and society
The announcement of a review of permanent residency cards has sparked widespread concern among immigrants and human rights organizations. The green card represents a crucial step toward stability and eventual U.S. citizenship, and a retroactive review could leave thousands of families in a state of legal and future uncertainty.
Among those most affected by this decision are immigrants who obtained residency through special programs, such as the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program for Afghan and Iraqi translators and collaborators who worked with the U.S. military. These individuals, who risked their lives to assist American forces, suddenly found themselves under suspicion, prompting criticism that this policy abandons U.S. allies.
Internationally, such a decision could reinforce the stereotype linking immigration and terrorism and could strain diplomatic relations between the United States and the countries on the list. While supporters view the decision as a necessary step to protect national security, opponents consider it a discriminatory measure that fails to address the root causes of violence and inflicts unnecessary suffering on innocent individuals.
