A Shooting That Shook the Capital
Two days ago, a shocking shooting incident rattled Washington D.C. Two American soldiers were ambushed by an Afghan national, sparking outrage and grief across the country. The assailant opened fire on the soldiers, and one of them has now tragically died from her injuries.
As emergency responders fought to resuscitate the fallen heroes, the news quickly spread, drawing national attention and political reaction.
President Trump Addresses the Nation
Former President Donald Trump addressed the nation following the incident, calling it “a really bad crime” and expressing condolences to the victims’ families.
“Millions of Americans are praying for those heroes and their families,” Trump said. “And I must unfortunately tell you that just seconds before I went on, I heard that Sarah Buckram of West Virginia, one of the guardsmen we’re talking about — highly respected, young, magnificent person — has just passed away. She’s no longer with us.”
Buckram, who began her service in June 2023, was described as “outstanding in every way.”
The Shooter: From Ally to Accused
Authorities identified the shooter as Rahman Lakwal, a 29-year-old Afghan refugee. Lakwal had previously worked with the CIA and served alongside U.S. forces during the war against the Taliban. When the Taliban reclaimed power in Kabul, he fled Afghanistan and sought asylum in the United States.
He was granted asylum earlier this year, in 2025. Just two days ago, however, Lakwal allegedly opened fire in the nation’s capital — an act that President Trump has labeled “terrorism.”
Trump’s “Permanent Pause” on Immigration
In response, Trump has announced a sweeping new policy — one that goes far beyond conventional security measures. The former president has declared a “permanent pause” on immigration, along with what he’s calling “reverse migration.”
According to his statement, this policy involves canceling visas, revoking green cards, and even reconsidering U.S. citizenship for certain individuals. Trump’s focus, he said, is on migrants from “third world countries.”
Who Is Affected?
While Trump did not release a full list, administration officials have indicated that the crackdown will primarily affect nations that send the most refugees to the U.S., including Afghanistan, Somalia, Haiti, and Sudan.
The policy reportedly extends beyond visa holders. Even immigrants with permanent residency or U.S. citizenship could come under review.
Arbitrary Criteria and Widespread Concern
Trump’s criteria for revocation appear to be highly subjective. He has stated his intention to strip green cards from “nonassets” and to remove immigrants who “don’t love America.”
Immigration authorities have confirmed that a review is underway. The first group being reassessed includes Afghans who arrived in the U.S. after the fall of Kabul — an estimated 190,000 people. Most had worked alongside U.S. forces, aiding American operations in Afghanistan.
Now, many of these same individuals face an uncertain future, as their cases and green cards may be reexamined or revoked.
Legal and Ethical Questions
Legal experts argue that Trump’s order violates U.S. law, citing his use of the term “third world” as both vague and racially charged. The phrase has no legal standing in U.S. immigration statutes and is widely considered outdated.
Critics say the move mirrors Trump’s previous policies — notably the 2017 travel ban targeting several Muslim-majority nations. Although that ban was later struck down by U.S. courts, the former president appears to be reviving the same ideology under the banner of national security.
A Renewed Push Against Immigration
Trump’s administration is reportedly working toward a permanent freeze on refugee resettlement, denial of state benefits to non-citizens, and even a review of naturalized citizens — people who earned citizenship through legal processes rather than birthright.
In addition, he plans to challenge birthright citizenship itself — the constitutional principle granting automatic citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil.
A Political Strategy Disguised as Security
While the White House frames these measures as necessary for national safety, many observers argue that they serve a political agenda rather than a security one.
By linking one violent act to a broader immigration policy, Trump’s administration risks using tragedy to advance controversial ideological goals. Even if courts eventually block these measures, the message is clear: under Trump’s leadership, migrants are not welcome in America.
