The United States has initiated a comprehensive review of Green Cards held by permanent residents from 19 designated “countries of concern” after a deadly shooting near the White House left one National Guard member dead and another injured. The directive, issued by President Donald Trump, instructs US Citizenship and Immigration Services to reassess existing Green Cards and tighten vetting standards for residents originating from these nations. Officials described the Washington attack as an act of terror, citing the suspected assailant’s Afghan nationality as a factor prompting immediate policy action. Under the updated USCIS guidance, agency officers may now treat an applicant’s country of origin as a significant adverse factor when assessing eligibility for immigration benefits. This marks a notable shift in the approach to immigration review, as the order applies not only to new applicants but also to long-term permanent residents whose Green Cards were approved under earlier administrations. The list of 19 countries includes Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. These countries mirror those identified in a June presidential proclamation that imposed full or partial entry suspensions. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow said the policy aims to strengthen national security by giving officers broader discretion to weigh security concerns. He emphasized that ensuring stringent screening remains a core responsibility of the agency, stressing that the safety of American citizens is paramount. According to Edlow, the updated guidance directly responds to the Washington shooting and reflects the administration’s belief that previous vetting procedures were weakened in recent years. The shooting suspect, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered the United States in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a resettlement initiative created after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Lakanwal had served alongside US Special Forces and spent more than a decade as a soldier in the Afghan army. Authorities said the incident has reignited debate surrounding resettlement programmes for individuals from conflict-affected regions, especially those relocated under emergency evacuation procedures. While the revised review process affects a wide group of nationalities, officials confirmed that Indian Green Card holders will not be impacted. However, immigration experts noted that the move forms part of a broader tightening of immigration policy that could signal further enforcement actions in the coming months. They cautioned that the directive underscores a continued shift toward heightened scrutiny of immigrants from nations perceived as high-risk, particularly in cases involving national security. The comprehensive review is expected to unfold over the coming months as USCIS examines existing records and evaluates cases under the strengthened criteria. Officials maintain that the updated policy is designed to close gaps in the vetting process, asserting that national security concerns necessitate more rigorous oversight of immigration status for individuals from the identified countries. The directive marks one of the administration’s most extensive actions on immigration security since the presidential proclamation earlier this year.

Two United States National Guard soldiers were critically injured on Wednesday in a targeted shooting just a short distance from the White House, in what authorities have described as one of the most serious security incidents near the presidential district in recent years. The attack occurred at the Farragut West metro station, a busy transit hub situated only two blocks from the presidential complex, heightening concerns about public safety and the vulnerability of high-profile locations in

The Defense Department announced Monday that it has launched a formal investigation into Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain, over his participation in a video urging members of the military and intelligence community to refuse illegal orders. The video, recorded by Kelly and several other Democratic lawmakers, called on uniformed personnel to uphold their oath to the Constitution amid growing political tensions surrounding former President Donald Trump’s statements about execut

The Supreme Court is preparing for a closed-door conference on Friday to consider whether it will take up a major dispute over President Donald Trump’s birthright citizenship order. The order, issued on the first day of his second term, declares that children born in the United States to parents who are in the country illegally or temporarily are not entitled to American citizenship. Federal courts across the country have uniformly blocked the order, preventing it from taking effect in any

A cross-country spiritual pilgrimage known as the Walk for Peace was interrupted this week after a crash on U.S. 90 near Dayton left two Buddhist monks injured. The monks were among a group walking across the United States on a 2,300-mile trek designed to promote unity, compassion, and inner peace. The incident occurred on Wednesday as the group continued its route through Texas, one of several states included in the long-distance journey. The Walk for Peace began on October 26 at t

Former president Joe Biden is scheduled to attend the memorial service for former vice president Dick Cheney on Thursday, joining a group of national leaders and longtime associates gathering in Washington to honor the influential political figure. The service, set to begin at 11 a.m. ET at Washington National Cathedral, will include tributes from several individuals who worked closely with Cheney throughout his decades of involvement in public life. Former president George W. Bush, under who

The nation’s longest government shutdown ended Wednesday night after the House approved a short-term spending bill that restores federal operations and provides temporary funding for key agencies. The shutdown, which lasted 43 days, concluded with the passage of a measure funding military construction, veterans’ affairs, the Department of Agriculture and the legislative branch through September 30, 2026, while extending funding for the rest of the government through January 3. The Senate

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday officially termed the November 10 car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort a “heinous terror attack,” confirming it as an act of terrorism. The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and observed a two-minute silence for the victims. A resolution was passed to ensure that every perpetrator and collaborator involved in the explosion is brought to justice swiftly and decisively. Union Minister Ashwi

An image has emerged showing a masked driver at the wheel of a white Hyundai i20 minutes before the explosion that rocked the area adjacent to the historic Red Fort in Delhi on Monday evening, authorities said. The blast, which occurred in a busy public location during the evening rush hour, has so far claimed the lives of at least eight people and injured over a dozen others, according to police statements.  Initial investigations indicate that the suspected driver, identified

A powerful explosion rocked the area near Delhi’s historic Red Fort on Monday evening, killing at least eight people and injuring several others. The intensity of the blast sent shockwaves through the crowded vicinity of Chandni Chowk, shattering nearby streetlights and throwing vehicles as far as 150 meters from the site. Emergency services rushed to the scene as thick smoke billowed across the area, and panic spread among residents and commuters. According to officials, eight bo

Former United States Vice President Richard B. “Dick” Cheney, one of the most influential and controversial figures in modern American politics, has died at the age of 84. Cheney passed away from complications related to pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease, his family confirmed. Widely regarded as one of the most powerful vice presidents in US history, Cheney’s political career shaped America’s foreign policy and national security doctrines in the early 21st century.

Sandwich fans across the United States have plenty to celebrate as restaurants nationwide roll out exclusive offers for National Sandwich Day. The annual food holiday, dedicated to honoring one of America’s most beloved comfort foods, brings with it a wide range of discounts, special menu items, and loyalty rewards. From toasted favorites to creative new twists, major chains are offering deals that make it the perfect time to grab a bite. Jimmy John’s is kicking off the celebrat

In a highly charged public exchange, political commentator Candace Owens has launched a direct criticism of the Kash Patel-led Federal Bureau of Investigation, declaring that she “does not trust him at all.” The assertion comes as Owens accuses Patel of resenting the investigative efforts of Tulsi Gabbard and Joe Kent in the ongoing probe into the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated on September 10 at a university event. Owens’ r

AUSTIN, Texas – The Austin community came together on October 26 for the 2025 Austin Kidney Walk, an event dedicated to raising awareness, support, and critical funding for people affected by kidney disease. The walk, which took place on a cool Saturday morning, drew hundreds of participants, including patients, family members, healthcare professionals, and living donors, all united by a shared commitment to fighting one of the nation’s most pervasive health conditions. Organize

Mass demonstrations are expected across the United States on Saturday as protesters gather in thousands of cities and towns for the second “No Kings” protest of the year. The coordinated events are being organized in opposition to what participants describe as increasingly authoritarian actions by President Donald Trump and his administration. The “No Kings” movement, which has been active since early 2025, is centered on defending democratic institutions, civil liberties, a

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), an initiative under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has announced its Winter Internship Programme for 2025, aimed at students who wish to gain practical experience in cybersecurity, digital forensics, and cybercrime investigation. The programme offers aspiring professionals a platform to learn directly from experts engaged in safeguarding India’s digital infrastructure. Applications must be submitted by October 17, 2025. The in

In a sharp escalation of political and policy tensions, United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday demanded the imprisonment of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, both Democrats, accusing them of failing to safeguard federal immigration officers. The comments came as the administration prepared to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago, one of the nation’s largest and most politically influential cities, despite firm objections from local and state auth

National Guard troops from Texas were seen on Tuesday at a U.S. Army training facility in Illinois, marking the most visible step yet in the Trump administration’s controversial plan to deploy military personnel to the Chicago area. The move has ignited a wave of political opposition and legal challenges from state and city officials who argue that the action is unconstitutional and politically motivated. Military personnel wearing uniforms with the Texas National Guard insignia w

Chicago, Illinois — A political and legal confrontation is unfolding between Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and President Donald Trump after the governor condemned and sought to block what he described as an unlawful military deployment to Chicago. Calling the move “unconstitutional and unwarranted,” Pritzker said the Trump administration’s actions amount to a dangerous overreach of executive power designed to create fear and confusion rather than ensure public safety.

California has begun voting on one of the most significant ballot measures in recent memory, a proposal that could alter the national political balance and shape the direction of future elections. The measure asks voters to approve or reject new congressional district maps that would dramatically change California’s representation in Congress by potentially adding up to five Democrat-leaning seats. This decision could have wide-ranging effects on which party controls the U.S. House of Repr