Trump announces permanent halt to immigration from third world countries

President Donald Trump has announced a decision to "permanently halt migration" to the United States from what he referred to as "third world nations." In a message posted on Truth Social, Trump explained that the move is intended to "allow the US system to fully recover" after immigration policies he claims have weakened the "gains and living standards" of many Americans. Specific details about the plan or which nations will be affected were not provided.

Trump also criticized refugees, blaming them for contributing to what he called "social dysfunction in America," and pledged to remove "anyone who is not a net asset" to the country.

This announcement comes shortly after an Afghan national was accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington, DC, resulting in one death. Trump had previously cited the shooting as evidence of a serious national security risk and vowed to take action against foreigners "from any country who do not belong here."

On Wednesday, the US temporarily halted the processing of all immigration applications from Afghan nationals, pending a review of "security and vetting protocols." In a subsequent post on Thursday night, Trump also promised to "end all federal benefits and subsidies to noncitizens."

Earlier on Thursday, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services stated it would reassess green cards issued to immigrants from 19 countries. When questioned by the BBC about which countries were included, the agency referred to a White House proclamation from June, which listed Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, Iran, Somalia, and Venezuela. No further information was provided regarding the re-evaluation process.

These announcements followed reports that the suspect in the Washington, DC shooting entered the US in 2021 under a program offering special immigration protections for Afghans after America's withdrawal from Afghanistan. Officials noted that Rahmanullah Lakanwa had previously worked with the CIA in Afghanistan and helped guard US forces at Kabul airport during evacuation operations, according to a former military commander who served with him.

Analysis: Trump's Immigration Halt and Its Potential Impact

President Donald Trump's recent decision to "permanently halt migration" from what he terms "third world nations" signals a significant shift in US immigration policy. While the announcement lacks specific details, the rhetoric reflects a broader narrative of national security concerns and a desire to restore what Trump describes as a "fully recovered" system. This decision aligns with his longstanding criticism of immigration policies that, according to him, have undermined the "gains and living standards" of American citizens.

The announcement, made via Trump’s Truth Social platform, follows a tragic incident in Washington, DC, where an Afghan national allegedly killed a National Guard member. This act has fueled Trump’s arguments that immigration from certain countries presents national security risks, particularly those linked to recent conflicts such as the war in Afghanistan. Trump’s statement, however, leaves much unanswered, especially regarding which specific countries are to be affected. The White House’s earlier proclamation listing nations like Afghanistan, Cuba, and Venezuela hints at the scope of the intended policy but does not provide clarity on the process or criteria for halting immigration.

Furthermore, Trump’s comments about removing "anyone who is not a net asset" reflect a shift towards a more exclusionary immigration stance. His proposal to end all federal benefits to noncitizens, combined with the reassessment of green cards issued to immigrants from 19 countries, adds complexity to the situation. The legal and humanitarian implications of such decisions could lead to lengthy debates about fairness, economic impact, and the treatment of vulnerable populations who might lose their status in the US.

While Trump’s plan may resonate with some Americans concerned about security and economic strain, it raises questions about the long-term consequences for US foreign relations and the potential humanitarian crisis that could result from mass deportations. It remains to be seen how such policies will be implemented and whether they will garner bipartisan support or face legal challenges.

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• Trump says US will 'permanently pause migration' from 'third world countries'