Afghans living in the US have condemned Wednesday's deeply tragic deadly shooting attack in Washington DC, while stressing that the suspect - who moved to the US from Afghanistan four years ago - does not represent them.

The alleged gunman, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered America under a program that offered special immigration protections to Afghans who worked with the US following its troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.

National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was killed in Wednesday's shooting, and a colleague, Andrew Wolfe, 24, is said to be fighting for his life.

In response, US President Donald Trump has halted the processing of all immigration requests from Afghans, ordered a review of green cards issued to individuals from 19 countries, and threatened a wider crackdown on migrants from what he calls third-world countries.

On Friday, his administration also stated it had halted all decisions on asylum claims.

The Afghan Community Coalition of United States expressed its sympathy for the families of the victims, calling for a comprehensive investigation but urging the US government not to delay or suspend Afghan immigration claims.

Twenty years of Afghan-US partnership must not be forgotten, the coalition's statement said, highlighting the importance of continued support for Afghans who aided American efforts in their country.

Afghans living in America told the BBC they had been horrified by the Washington DC attack, which they emphasized was the act of just one person.

“Afghans in the United States are hardworking, tax-paying members of society,” remarked one Afghan representative. “We remain grateful to America for the evacuation efforts during the crisis in Kabul.”

Many Afghans state their fear of possible repercussions in the current political climate, noting that the violence from one individual should not reflect upon their entire community. They appeal for compassion and understanding from the American public and policymakers.

Crystal Bayat, an Afghan human rights activist who arrived in the US after the Taliban regained control, expressed her daily fears of potential policy changes regarding immigration. She stressed that it’s imperative not to punish the entire immigrant community for this tragic incident.