The Impact of the Zero Units on U.S. Immigration Policy

On November 26, 2025, an Afghan immigrant named Rahmanullah Lakanwal shot two Army National Guard soldiers in Washington, D.C., an event that was quickly labeled an act of terrorism. Lakanwal was identified as a former member of the Zero Units, a covert group of Afghan soldiers funded and directed by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). This incident shocked many, particularly within the Afghan community in the United States, as it brought to light the existence of the Zero Units, which had been largely unknown to the American public until then.

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The Zero Units were established during the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan and operated as a shadow army, engaging in operations against the Taliban and other insurgent groups. Following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, approximately 10,000 members of these units, along with their families, were evacuated to the United States. This evacuation was part of a broader effort to protect those who had assisted U.S. forces during the conflict.

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In response to the shooting, President Donald Trump announced a "permanent pause on third-world migration," which specifically targeted asylum seekers from countries he referred to as “hellholes,” including Afghanistan. This policy shift reflects a significant tightening of immigration regulations, particularly for individuals from regions associated with conflict and instability.

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The announcement of the pause on migration has faced criticism from various advocacy groups and human rights organizations. Critics argue that such measures unfairly penalize vulnerable populations seeking refuge from violence and persecution. They contend that the actions taken in response to Lakanwal's crime could lead to broader stigmatization of Afghan refugees, many of whom are fleeing the very conditions that the Zero Units were created to combat.

New York Times

While the shooting incident has been widely reported, there are discrepancies regarding the motivations behind Lakanwal's actions and the implications for the broader Afghan community in the U.S. Some sources suggest that Lakanwal's actions may not represent the views of the majority of Afghan refugees, while others highlight concerns about the potential for increased scrutiny and discrimination against this group.

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As the U.S. government implements stricter immigration policies, further discussions and investigations into the implications for Afghan refugees and the Zero Units are anticipated. Advocacy groups are expected to mobilize efforts to challenge the new policies and protect the rights of those seeking asylum.

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