In a bold escalation of his immigration crackdown, United States President Donald Trump announced late Thursday a permanent halt to migration from all “third-world countries,” framing the move as essential for America’s recovery from what he described as decades of flawed policies.
The declaration, posted on his Truth Social platform, comes amid heightened tensions following a deadly shooting in the nation’s capital involving an Afghan national.
Trump’s post stated that the pause would “allow the US system to fully recover” from immigration measures that have “eroded the gains and living conditions” of many Americans. While he offered no specifics on implementation or which nations would be targeted—potentially affecting billions in the Global South—the announcement marks one of the most sweeping restrictions proposed in modern United States history. It builds on Trump’s long-standing focus on border security, a cornerstone of his political identity since his first presidential campaign.
Timing linked to deadly incident
The timing is no coincidence. Just a day earlier, on Wednesday, an Afghan immigrant named Rahmanullah Lakanwal allegedly opened fire on two National Guard members in Washington, DC, killing one and injuring the other. The victim, Sarah Beckstrom, a 28-year-old sergeant from Minnesota, succumbed to her wounds hours later, prompting Trump to address the nation in a somber White House briefing. “This tragedy underlines the major national security threat we face,” Trump said, vowing to expel any foreigner “from any country who does not belong here.”
Lakanwal, 32, entered the United States in 2021 under a special visa program for Afghans who aided United States forces during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. As the Taliban regained power that year, thousands fled fearing reprisals for collaborating with American troops. According to Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe, Lakanwal had worked alongside agency operatives in counterterrorism efforts. An official familiar with the case, speaking to AFP‘s United States partner CBS News, revealed that Lakanwal applied for asylum in 2024, which was approved earlier this year after a routine vetting process.
Investigation details emerge
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, investigating the incident as a potential act of terror—as labeled by Trump—disclosed that Lakanwal had maintained ties with “partner forces” in Afghanistan post-arrival. No motive has been publicly confirmed, but preliminary reports suggest personal grievances may have played a role, rather than organized extremism. Lakanwal was arrested at the scene and faces federal charges, including murder and attempted murder.
In response to the attack, the administration moved swiftly. On Wednesday evening, the United States Department of Homeland Security suspended all immigration processing for Afghans, citing the need for a comprehensive review of “security and vetting protocols.” This temporary measure echoes Trump’s earlier actions; in January 2025, shortly after his inauguration for a second term, he reinstated and expanded travel bans on nationals from Afghanistan and 11 other countries, mostly in Africa and Asia. Those restrictions, reminiscent of his 2017 “Muslim ban” that targeted several majority-Muslim nations, have drawn widespread criticism from human rights groups for being discriminatory.
Escalating measures announced
By Thursday, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services escalated further, announcing a re-examination of green cards issued to immigrants from 19 specified countries. When pressed by AFP for the full list, a USCIS spokesperson referred to a June White House proclamation that named Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, Iran, Somalia, and Venezuela among them. The agency provided no timeline or criteria for the review, leaving thousands of legal residents in limbo. Immigration advocates warn that such broad scrutiny could lead to deportations based on retroactive assessments, potentially violating due process.
Trump’s Truth Social tirade didn’t stop at migration pauses. He pledged to “end all federal benefits and subsidies to noncitizens,” accusing refugees of fueling “social dysfunction in America.” In a pointed jab, he committed to removing “anyone who is not a net asset” to the country, a phrase that echoes his economic nationalist rhetoric. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, in a briefing Friday morning, defended the policies as necessary safeguards. “The president is committed to protecting American lives and livelihoods,” she said, declining to elaborate on enforcement mechanisms.
Criticism and economic impact
Critics, however, see this as overreach. “This isn’t about security; it’s about scapegoating vulnerable populations,” said Maria Gonzalez, director of the Immigrant Rights Coalition, in an interview with AFP. She pointed to data from the Migration Policy Institute showing that immigrants, including refugees, contribute significantly to the United States economy—paying billions in taxes and filling essential jobs. A 2024 report by the institute estimated that Afghan evacuees alone added over USD1.5 billion in economic value through labor and spending.
The announcements have ripple effects globally. In Kabul, Afghan officials expressed dismay, with a foreign ministry spokesman telling AFP that the United States decision “undermines years of partnership and leaves allies in peril.” European allies, already grappling with migration pressures, voiced concerns about potential spillover, with European Union migration commissioner Ylva Johansson urging dialogue in a statement.
Legal challenges ahead
Domestically, the policies face legal hurdles. The American Civil Liberties Union announced plans to challenge the migration pause in court, arguing it contravenes international asylum laws and the United States Constitution. “Blanket bans based on nationality are unconstitutional and ineffective,” said ACLU attorney Lee Gelernt.
As investigations into the DC shooting continue, Trump’s actions signal a paradigm shift in United States immigration policy. With midterm elections looming in 2026, analysts suggest this hardline stance could rally his base but alienate moderates. For now, the human cost is mounting: families separated, dreams deferred, and a nation divided over who truly “belongs.”
Emotional tributes and lingering questions
The president’s video address announcing Beckstrom’s death, viewed millions of times on social media, captured the raw emotion. “Sarah was a hero,” Trump said, his voice steady. “We will honor her by making America safe again.”
Yet, questions linger about the vetting failures that allowed Lakanwal’s entry and asylum. A bipartisan congressional committee has called for hearings, with Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) telling AFP, “We need accountability to prevent future tragedies.”
Broader implications of the policy
In the broader context, Trump’s pivot to “third-world” bans revives Cold War-era terminology, often criticized as outdated and derogatory. Development experts note that “third-world” lacks precise definition, potentially encompassing over 150 countries from Latin America to sub-Saharan Africa. The White House has not clarified the term, fueling speculation and anxiety among immigrant communities.
Agencies contributed to this report
