US President Donald Trump has announced that the US will Halt Migration From Third-World Countries, a decision he says is needed to reduce America’s growing “refugee burden.” His statement followed the death of a National Guard member in Washington DC, a case linked to an Afghan national.
Trump did not list which nations will be affected, but his post has already gained strong attention from immigration experts, legal analysts, and international organizations. The declaration adds a new chapter to Trump’s second-term policies under his proposed plan.
A Sharp Shift in US Immigration Policy
This announcement is part of a wider push by Trump to tighten US immigration rules. He has moved to increase mass deportations, lower refugee admissions, and challenge automatic citizenship rights. This marks one of his toughest proposals so far.
After the DC shooting, the current US administration paused the processing of immigration requests from Afghan nationals while security and vetting procedures are reviewed. USCIS also announced that it will re-examine all green cards issued to people from 19 countries considered “countries of concern.” Previous White House documents listed nations such as Afghanistan, Somalia, Haiti, Cuba, Iran, and Venezuela among those included in the review.
Trump also promised to cut federal benefits for non-citizens, saying it would help the US “recover” from what he described as harmful past policies.
Controversy Over “Third-World Countries”
Trump’s statement included claims that refugees are causing “social dysfunction” in the US. He pointed to Minnesota and said refugees had taken over parts of the state. He also criticized Democratic leaders. The claim that the US will Halt Migration From Third-World Countries has raised concerns among human rights groups.
While the White House has not given more details, Trump already enforced travel bans earlier this year targeting Afghanistan and several African and Asian nations. The UN responded by urging the US to respect its obligations under the Refugee Convention.
What We Know About the Shooting Suspect
The suspect in the Washington DC shooting, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, came to the US in 2021 under a program for Afghans who supported US forces. He worked with the CIA and guarded American troops during the evacuation of Kabul. Friends say he faced mental health challenges after years in conflict zones.
He applied for asylum in 2024 and was approved this year, but his green card is still pending. He has not cooperated with investigators since his arrest.
National Guard Member Killed
Trump confirmed that 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom from West Virginia died from injuries in the attack. She volunteered to serve in DC during Thanksgiving. Another Guard member, 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, remains in critical condition.
As the country reacts to the tragedy, Trump continues to defend his plan, repeating that the the United States will Halt Migration From Third-World Countries to “protect Americans” and to “restore security.”
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