New Delhi: President Donald Trump announced that the United States will move toward a permanent halt on migration from what he described as “Third World countries,” arguing that the country’s immigration system needs time to stabilise following recent security incidents. His announcement came days after a shooting near the White House left one National Guard member dead and another critically injured.
In a statement on social media, he claimed that past immigration policies had strained national resources and said the proposed halt would be part of a broader effort to overhaul the system. He outlined plans to reverse recent admissions, tighten eligibility rules and implement stricter measures that would remove individuals considered security risks or reliant on government support.
The shooting earlier in the week intensified debate over immigration. The incident involved two National Guard personnel, Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe, who were approached by an armed man and shot at close range. Beckstrom, 20, died of her injuries, while Wolfe, 24, remains in critical condition. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who arrived in the country after the 2021 US withdrawal from Afghanistan, has been taken into custody. Authorities have not yet determined the motive.
Following the identification of the suspect, federal immigration authorities temporarily halted the processing of immigration applications connected to Afghan nationals, citing security precautions. The administration also repeated its concerns about earlier evacuation and resettlement procedures.
Trump referenced past resettlement operations in additional posts and criticised previous leadership for allowing large-scale entries without what he described as adequate vetting. He also shared pointed remarks during the Thanksgiving holiday, expressing concern over the scale of the foreign-born population and its perceived impact on public services and community stability.
His statements signal the likelihood of significant shifts in immigration policy, setting the stage for extensive debate within the United States and heightened concern among immigrant communities worldwide. The proposals, if implemented, would have far-reaching effects on individuals seeking entry for work, education and refuge, and could reshape long-standing elements of the country’s immigration framework.
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