A Shooting Sparks Debate on Afghan Refugee Program

A recent incident involving a National Guard shooting has brought attention to the Afghan refugee program in the U. S. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is one of about 76, 000 Afghans who came to the U. S. after the Taliban took over Afghanistan. This program, called Operation Allies Welcome, started after the U. S. left Afghanistan in 2021. Some people, like President Joe Biden, believe the U. S. has a duty to help Afghans who supported American efforts. Others, including former President Donald Trump, argue that the refugees were not properly checked before coming to the U. S. CIA Director John Ratcliffe criticized the Biden administration, saying the suspect should not have been allowed in. Lakanwal worked with the CIA in Afghanistan before coming to the U. S. He was granted asylum in 2017 under the Trump administration. The process for asylum includes background checks and interviews. Groups that help resettle Afghans say one person's actions should not reflect on the many who have come to the U. S. legally. After leaving Afghanistan, many Afghans stayed at military bases like Fort Bliss in Texas. They went through health screenings and background checks before being resettled in places like Virginia, California, and Texas. Trump's policies made it harder for refugees to get help with basic needs. Trump has said he wants to review every Afghan who came to the U. S. under the refugee program. He also criticized refugees from Somalia living in Minnesota. Meanwhile, some Afghans, like Mohammad Saboor, are happy to be in the U. S. and look forward to building a peaceful life.