The Global Story How the National Guard shooting accelerated Trump’s immigration crackdown
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Dec 8, 2025 In this discussion, Mahfouz Zubaide, a former BBC journalist from Kabul now based in London, shares his insights on the recent immigration policy changes triggered by a shooting incident involving National Guard members. He highlights the precarious situation faced by Afghan migrants, particularly those who assisted U.S. operations in Afghanistan. Mahfouz emphasizes the fear and condemnation among Afghan communities regarding collective punishment and their anxiety about deportation. His firsthand accounts reveal the emotional toll of family separations amidst shifting policies.
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Shooting Framed As Policy Justification
- The Washington DC National Guard shooting became the catalyst for sweeping U.S. immigration moves.
- The Trump administration linked the attack to perceived vetting failures under the prior administration to justify rapid policy shifts.
Scale And Scrutiny Of Afghan Resettlement
- Over 190,000 Afghans have come to the U.S. since 2021 under evacuation programmes.
- The Biden administration says vetting involved biometric and biographic checks, but critics cite inspector-general findings of flaws.
Asylum Decisions Put On Immediate Hold
- The administration announced reviews of asylum approvals and paused asylum decisions shortly after the shooting.
- These policy shifts targeted not only new entries but also pending cases already inside the U.S.