
“Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed on social media that the suspect had entered from Afghanistan in September 2021 under a Biden-era program called Operation Allies Welcome, which provided entry to Afghan nationals fleeing the Taliban takeover of their country after the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. troops.” https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/11/27/us/national-guard-shooting-dc
Two different things. My guess is that he originally came here on a Special Immigrant Visa, which was given to many interpreters and informants that helped the US in Afghanistan. The Daily Beast is reporting that he applied for asylum in 2024 and it was granted in 2025. https://www.thedailybeast.com/donald-trump-approved-national-guard-shooting-suspect-rahmanullah-lakanwal-afghanistan-dhs-kristi-noem-asylum/