President Trump has announced his intent to implement a "permanent pause" on immigration from countries he refers to as "Third World" following a shooting incident in Washington, D.C. The incident resulted in the death of one National Guard member and critical injury to another. The alleged shooter was identified as an Afghan national.
Proposed Immigration Measures
On Thursday evening, President Trump utilized social media to outline his stance on immigration from impoverished nations, stating that these populations represent a burden on the welfare system and "prey" on natural-born citizens. He specifically wrote on Truth Social:
"I will permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries to allow the U.S. system to fully recover."
"Only REVERSE MIGRATION can fully cure this situation."
The Trump administration has already initiated deportation processes for some immigrants, either to their countries of origin or to third countries which often receive payments for accepting them. Examples include:
- Venezuelans deported from the U.S. to El Salvador.
- Migrants sent to Eswatini and South Sudan.
- Rwanda's agreement to accept deportees.
Joseph Edlow, Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), indicated via social media that he has received directives to conduct "a full scale, rigorous reexamination of every Green Card for every alien from every country of concern." Edlow did not specify which countries this would involve, and USCIS did not respond to media inquiries. A June White House proclamation previously imposed a travel ban on 12 countries of concern, including Afghanistan and several African nations experiencing conflict and terrorism such as Chad, Sudan, and Somalia. An additional seven countries faced partial restrictions.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated to CNN that all immigration requests originating from Afghanistan have been halted, and a review of all asylum cases approved under the previous administration is underway. DHS did not respond to further media requests for comment.
Context of the D.C. Shooting
The President's statements on immigration followed the identification of the alleged shooter as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national. Lakanwal had previously collaborated with the CIA in Afghanistan against the Taliban and was admitted into the United States in 2021 due to his service. During a Thanksgiving Day call with servicemembers, Trump characterized the shooting as a terrorist attack and described the shooter as a "savage monster."
President Trump attributed Lakanwal's entry into the United States, as well as broader issues within the immigration system, to the Biden administration. He stated:
"For the most part, we don't want 'em,"
This statement broadly referred to immigration seekers, whom he characterized as gang members, mentally ill individuals, and those with prior incarceration.
Previous and Current Immigration Commentary
Trump's past presidential campaigns included a platform focused on addressing illegal immigration, with specific attention directed at migrants from countries such as Mexico and Somalia.
On Thursday, following his Thanksgiving call, Trump expanded his commentary on immigration to encompass broader concerns. When questioned by a reporter about Lakanwal's vetting as a former CIA asset, Trump responded to the reporter by calling them "stupid." When asked if he blamed all Afghans for the alleged actions of one individual, Trump stated:
"No, but there's a lot of problems with Afghans."
He subsequently addressed immigrants from Somalia, mentioning previous claims regarding gang affiliation and their presence in Minnesota, which hosts the largest Somali community in the nation. When asked about any connection between Somalis and the D.C. shooting, Trump responded:
"Nothing."
He added:
"Somalians have caused a lot of trouble."
Later on social media, he described "Somalian gangs" in Minnesota as "roving the streets looking for 'prey' as our wonderful people stay locked in their apartments and houses hoping against hope that they will be left alone."
International Response
On Friday, United Nations officials expressed concerns regarding Trump's call for comprehensive halts to immigration. Jeremy Laurence, spokesperson for the U.N. human rights office, stated in Geneva:
"They are entitled to protection under international law, and that should be given due process."