WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced on Truth Social a sweeping set of immigration measures, including a "permanent pause" on migration from all third world countries and a call for "reverse migration" of certain immigrants. The directives could affect millions of residents from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Read More: Trump urges review of Afghan immigrants after DC shooting
Trump said the halt was necessary to allow the US immigration system to "fully recover," arguing that unchecked migration has strained resources and weakened American society. He also pledged to denaturalise migrants he deemed threats and end federal benefits for non-citizens.
The announcement follows a temporary suspension of all immigration requests from Afghan nationals, a move triggered by the shooting of two National Guard soldiers near the White House. Trump linked the attack to immigration policies, although authorities noted that the shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, had worked with US forces in Afghanistan and was admitted under previous government programs.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said a full-scale review of every Green Card issued to immigrants from 19 countries -- including Afghanistan, Haiti, Iran, Somalia, and Venezuela -- is underway, leaving millions of permanent residents and Green Card holders at risk of scrutiny. Pakistan was not included in the list.
Trump described immigration as "the single greatest national security threat" and asserted that his measures would prioritise citizens, restore law and order, and remove those "not a net asset" to the country. The administration also plans to end welfare, health care, and other federal benefits for non-citizens.
Read More: Trump administration revokes 80,000 U.S. non-immigrant visas
Experts warn that the measures could dramatically reshape refugee, Green Card, and other immigration programs, affecting both incoming migrants and families already residing in the United States. Additional National Guard personnel have been deployed to Washington to bolster security amid rising tensions following the president's posts.