The United States is once again at the center of global attention after a sudden policy decision triggered widespread fear, anger, and uncertainty. A violent shooting incident near the White House that critically injured U.S. National Guard personnel has led the administration to mandate a sweeping US green card review of immigrants from 19 countries labelled “regions of concern”.
The move is being criticised as reactionary, political, and deeply unsettling, especially for immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for years with stable legal status.
The US green card review impacts thousands of families—students, workers, business owners, and long-term residents—who now fear delays, interrogations, background checks, or even revocation of their residency rights.
What Triggered the Sudden US Green Card Review?
The National Guard Shooting That Shook Washington
The decision came hours after a shocking attack on U.S. National Guard troops stationed near the White House perimeter. Officials say the shooter had indirect links to individuals from one of the 19 flagged countries, prompting the administration to reassess “all security vulnerabilities”.
This shooting, described as a “symbolic attack on national security,” has intensified concerns about internal threats.
Political Pressure Leading to the US Green Card Review
Insiders say the leadership was facing mounting political pressure to act quickly and decisively. The US green card review is being positioned as a national security measure, though immigrant rights groups argue it’s an emotionally charged and discriminatory decision made under public pressure.
Why 19 Countries Are Being Targeted
Officials claim these countries have “patterns of concern,” ranging from extremist activity to weak background verification systems. However, advocacy groups argue that the list disproportionately affects immigrants from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Impact of the US Green Card Review on Global Immigrant Communities
The announcement has sent shockwaves through global immigrant communities, especially those in South Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa.
Emotional and Human Toll:
- Parents fear their green cards could be delayed or revoked
- Students on work visas worry about future transitions
- Families fear separation due to prolonged checks
- Professionals worry their employer-based residency will be jeopardized
For immigrants who spent years building stable lives in the U.S., the US green card review feels like their dreams are suddenly at risk.
What Does the US Green Card Review Include?
Authorities have outlined several measures:
- Re-verification of background checks
- Enhanced biometric scanning
- Review of past travel history
- Deep screening of financial transactions
- Cross-checking with foreign security agencies
- Potential interviews for “flagged cases”
Immigration attorneys say the US green card review could stretch months, causing a backlog unlike anything seen in the last decade.
Political and Social Reaction to the US Green Card Review
The decision has sparked intense debate.
Supporters Argue:
- The government must protect national security
- Increased screening ensures safety
- Preventing another attack is top priority
Critics Argue:
- It unfairly targets specific nationalities
- It undermines trust in the immigration system
- It promotes fear and racial profiling
Civil rights groups are already preparing legal challenges, calling the policy “dangerous, discriminatory, and emotionally devastating.”
For deeper context on U.S. immigration systems, here is a credible resource:
What Happens Next?
The Department of Homeland Security will begin immediate screening next week. Embassies, immigration lawyers, and advocacy groups are preparing for a wave of appeals.
Experts say the US green card review could reshape U.S. immigration trends for years.
Conclusion
The US green card review marks one of the most dramatic immigration decisions of 2025. What began as a tragic shooting incident has now evolved into a policy that affects thousands of lives across the world. As the U.S. reassesses its security procedures, immigrant communities brace for months of uncertainty, anxiety, and emotional turmoil.
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