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As of early December 2025, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has paused green card, citizenship, and asylum applications from nationals of 19 countries previously designated as high-risk under a 2025 travel ban. This follows a November attack in Washington by an Afghan national granted asylum. USCIS will conduct comprehensive reviews and interviews for immigrants from these countries who entered since January 2021, with no set date to lift the pause.
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On November 27, 2025, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan who served in CIA-backed paramilitary units, shot two National Guard members near the White House, killing one and critically wounding the other. Lakanwal entered the US in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome and was granted asylum in 2025. The attack has sparked scrutiny of refugee vetting and immigration policies.
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Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national linked to US military operations in Afghanistan, shot two National Guard members near the White House, killing one. The attack, investigated as terrorism, has prompted a broader US crackdown on Afghan immigrants, with upgraded charges and increased security measures.
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Following a shooting in Washington, D.C., by Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan asylum seeker with a military background, debates have intensified over vetting processes for refugees. The incident raises questions about U.S. immigration policies, especially amid political calls for stricter reviews of Afghan arrivals post-withdrawal.
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On November 27-28, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a permanent pause on migration from "Third World countries" following a deadly shooting by an Afghan national. He vowed to end federal benefits for non-citizens, review asylum cases approved under Biden, and deport immigrants deemed security risks or "non-compatible with Western civilization." The move escalates immigration restrictions amid political tensions.
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Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a former Afghan intelligence officer with CIA ties, was arrested near the White House after allegedly shooting two National Guard members. He faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, raising concerns about vetting and security of Afghan migrants in the US. The incident highlights ongoing immigration and security debates.
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On December 4-5, 2025, a Pentagon Inspector General report cleared Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth of wrongdoing after he used the Signal app on his personal device to share sensitive information about planned strikes on Yemen's Houthi militants. While Hegseth had authority to declassify the material, the report found his actions violated Pentagon policy and risked operational security. The case is considered closed amid bipartisan scrutiny.
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The Pentagon refuses to release a full, unedited video of a controversial September strike in which 11 people were killed, citing national security. Congress and critics demand transparency amid ongoing debates over legality and morality of the attack, which targeted alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean and Pacific.
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Brian Cole Jr. pleaded guilty to placing pipe bombs outside RNC and DNC headquarters on Jan. 5, 2021, just hours before the Capitol riot. The bombs did not detonate. He faces up to 30 years in prison. The case highlights ongoing threats linked to political tensions.
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Russia claims Ukraine attempted to attack Putin's residence with 91 drones, but U.S. intelligence and Ukraine deny the attack. The incident heightens tensions amid ongoing Ukraine conflict and peace negotiations, with Russia threatening to review its stance. The story remains uncertain as evidence is disputed.
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The U.S. Congress has passed a War Powers resolution to limit President Trump's ability to conduct military operations in Venezuela following the recent seizure of Nicolás Maduro. The move reflects bipartisan concern over executive overreach and the legality of the operation, which aimed to capture Maduro and control Venezuela’s oil resources. The White House opposes the measure, citing presidential authority, but the resolution has passed the Senate and awaits House approval.
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The U.S. conducted a military operation in Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The operation has sparked political uncertainty and congressional debate over the legality and future implications of U.S. intervention in Venezuela.
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President Trump has issued a series of pardons, including political allies and controversial figures, amid ongoing debates over the use of clemency powers. The pardons include a former Puerto Rican governor and individuals linked to political cases, raising concerns about justice and political influence.
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U.S. CIA Director Ratcliffe visited Caracas for two hours, signaling a potential thaw in US-Venezuela relations after Maduro's recent abduction and detention in the US. Discussions included economic cooperation and security concerns, with the visit seen as a trust-building measure amid ongoing tensions.
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A US raid on Caracas on January 3 resulted in the deaths of 32 Cuban military and intelligence officers, including some assigned to Maduro's security. The incident has escalated tensions between the US, Cuba, and Venezuela, with Cuba vowing to defend its sovereignty amid threats of sanctions and military pressure.
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The US is reducing its military threat against Iran as diplomatic efforts show signs of progress. Middle Eastern allies warn that intervention risks regional and global instability. President Trump signals openness to negotiations, but military options remain on the table, with ongoing troop redeployments and sanctions.