The chaos of rushed decision-making often leads to unintended consequences, and here we are again, grappling with the remnants of what some might call another hasty action. The story of Mohamed Dalwood, an Afghan national facing terrorism threat charges, serves as yet another reminder of the need for stringent immigration policies. Dalwood, who gleefully advertised his bomb-building intentions on TikTok, aimed his disturbing ire at Fort Worth, Texas. Fortunately for the residents, the law acted swiftly, but the fact remains: how did he get in the first place?
Dalwood entered the US under the grandly titled “Operation Allies Welcome,” a Biden administration initiative meant to offer a haven after the chaos of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Now, before anyone gets too teary-eyed about the noble goals of this program, let’s consider the numbers. Approximately 85,000 Afghans have settled in the US under this plan. However, how many of these individuals were thoroughly vetted? A generous estimate would suggest not even close to enough.
This leads to our next point of contention: the vetting process itself. It’s almost as if the powers-that-be are using immigration as a game show—inviting new contestants to compete in “Who Gets to Slip through Screenings?” The glaring oversight in Dalwood’s case stands as a stark example of what happens when corners are cut. Add to that the disarray of past rushed evacuations, and it seems there’s enough blame to go around for everyone involved in this slipshod process.
President Trump, never known to miss an opportunity to critique his successor, called for a reform of the immigration vetting process. While some might dismiss his commentary as opportune political posturing, it would be wise to heed the call for more comprehensive checks. The safety of the nation depends on common-sense measures, measures that ensure programs like Operation Allies Welcome don’t bypass crucial steps in protecting American citizens.
The lesson here isn’t subtle. When looking to protect those genuinely in need, proper planning and execution are crucial. Otherwise, it’s much like leaving your front door wide open and being shocked when something unsavory walks in. The price of negligence is too high when the stakes involve national security. It’s time for immigration reform that actually prioritizes the safety of the homeland above all else.

