U.S. Homeland Security Chief: Refugee Application Reviews to Resume After Washington Attack

The U.S. Homeland Security Secretary said the government will resume reviewing refugee applications after an Afghan national’s attack prompted renewed scrutiny of the process.

Kristi Noem, the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, has signaled that the screening of asylum seekers will be reinstated following last week’s attack in Washington, where an Afghan national allegedly shot two members of the National Guard. Speaking to NBC News on Sunday, Noem said the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, had been admitted during the Biden administration and accused current officials of “irresponsibility” in handling migrant vetting.

Noem claimed that early assessments suggest the suspect had been “radicalized,” pointing to interactions within his local community. She added that investigators are continuing to interview individuals who may have been in contact with him before the attack.

According to Noem, proper vetting of asylum seekers was sidelined under President Joe Biden, creating potential risks for national security. She argued that the Trump-era screening standards should be restored immediately to ensure every applicant undergoes full background checks upon arrival.

Pressed on whether asylum seekers with pending cases could be removed, Noem said expulsions were possible where necessary. “If they should not be in our country, they will be removed immediately,” she stated, underscoring a harder line on immigration under the current administration.

Her comments follow remarks from President Donald Trump, who said he would impose a full halt on migration from “third-world countries” after authorities identified the National Guard shooting suspect as an Afghan national.

As investigations continue, policymakers face increasing pressure to balance national-security measures with fair asylum procedures. The Washington shooting has already fueled a heated political debate, and officials expect further scrutiny of Afghanistan refugee admissions in the weeks ahead.

The post U.S. Homeland Security Chief: Refugee Application Reviews to Resume After Washington Attack appeared first on Khaama Press.