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Legal Residents, Real Fear: Afghan Nationals Face Crackdown Amid Shifting U.S. Immigration Policy
The Trump administration’s decision to halt all Afghan-related immigration processing has sent a shockwave of anxiety through Afghan communities legally residing in the United States. The drastic move, announced following a shooting near the White House allegedly involving Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan asylee, includes the indefinite suspension of visa issuance, asylum case reviews, and a sweeping reexamination of existing green cards held by Afghan nationals.
This broad policy response is raising red flags for immigration attorneys and humanitarian advocates alike, who warn against using isolated incidents to justify sweeping policy changes that impact entire communities.
Collective Punishment or National Security? Policy Sparks Outcry
More than 190,000 Afghan nationals have been resettled in the U.S. since the Taliban regained control in 2021. Most arrived under Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs), asylum, or humanitarian parole programs intended to protect those who assisted the U.S. military during its two-decade presence in Afghanistan. Yet, as of December 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has paused all Afghan-related applications and is reexamining every green card previously issued to individuals from 19 “high-risk” countries.
This review is part of a broader Trump administration effort to “ensure individuals becoming citizens are the best of the best,” according to a DHS spokesperson. However, critics argue the policy amounts to collective punishment and violates the due process rights of lawful immigrants.
The Human Impact: Green Card Holders, Doctors, and Families in Limbo
The impact of these sudden policy shifts is deeply personal. One Afghan green card holder in Portland, who worked as a doctor during the pandemic in Afghanistan, now drives for a ride-share service while studying for U.S. medical licensing exams. “We respect this country and its laws. When something like this happens, it makes the whole community feel sad and concerned,” he said.
Others are worried about family reunification efforts suddenly halted mid-process. Many Afghan residents who left family members behind during the chaotic 2021 U.S. withdrawal are now unable to proceed with petitions or visa sponsorship. “People are devastated,” said Yahya Haqiqi of the Afghan Support Network. “They just want peace and legal stability.”
Abdul Wahid Gulrani, a visiting scholar at George Washington University, stressed the importance of seeing Afghan immigrants as individuals. “Tens of thousands of newly arrived Afghans are working hard to rebuild their lives. A single act should not be used to justify unnecessary restrictions or reinforce prejudice,” he said.
Deportation Efforts Intensify
In addition to halting immigration processes, federal authorities have intensified efforts to locate over 1,860 Afghans with final deportation orders. While not all are in detention, the government’s increased focus on apprehension further complicates the legal landscape for many Afghans who believed they were on a clear path to permanent residency.
A Legal Path Forward: What You Can Do Now
For Afghan nationals in the U.S. facing uncertainty, legal representation is not just helpful—it is critical. At Spar & Bernstein, our immigration attorneys have extensive experience advocating for Afghan clients under SIV, asylum, TPS, and humanitarian parole programs. We understand the complexity of sudden policy changes and can provide immediate legal guidance to protect lawful status and reunify families.
Whether your green card is under review, your visa case is stalled, or you fear unjust removal, our team can file emergency motions, seek waivers, and engage with USCIS on your behalf. We also assist clients with expired work authorizations or pending renewals facing unexpected employment disruptions.
Now more than ever, immigration policy is fluid and reactive. Don’t navigate this alone. If you or a loved one are impacted by the current policy freeze, contact Spar & Bernstein today for a confidential legal consultation.
Source: NBC News. “Afghans legally in U.S. worry about their future amid Trump immigration crackdown.” December 3, 2025. Read full article .
