Former President Donald Trump has called for a dramatic "reverse migration" policy in the United States, proposing the most aggressive immigration crackdown of his political career following the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington.
Sweeping Immigration Restrictions Announced
In a series of Truth Social posts late Thursday, Trump outlined radical measures that would fundamentally reshape American immigration policy. The former president stated he would "permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries" while providing no specific definition of which nations would be affected by this ban.
The proposals come in direct response to the Thanksgiving eve attack by an Afghan national that resulted in the death of U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and injuries to another guardsmember. Trump explicitly connected the shooting to his immigration agenda, announcing he would "denaturalize migrants who undermine domestic tranquility" and remove "anyone who is not a net asset to the United States, or is incapable of loving our Country."
Immediate Administrative Actions
The White House has already taken concrete steps following the November 26 shooting. Immigration proceedings for Afghan nationals have been halted pending a comprehensive review of those already in the United States. According to administration officials, the review extends to all refugees resettled under President Joe Biden, with their green card applications now frozen.
Joseph Edlow, head of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, confirmed on social media that his agency is conducting "a full scale, rigorous reexamination of every Green Card for every alien from every country of concern" under Trump's direct orders.
The United States has admitted more than 190,000 Afghans since the Taliban takeover of Kabul in 2021, predominantly individuals who assisted American forces during the prolonged conflict and their immediate family members.
Broader Immigration Enforcement Context
Trump's latest proposals build upon existing administration efforts to restrict immigration through multiple channels:
- The White House implemented a June ban on immigration from 12 countries including Afghanistan, Haiti, Somalia and Sudan
- Refugee admissions caps have been sharply reduced
- Temporary protected status has been terminated for migrants from several nations
- H-1B visa applications now carry a $100,000 fee
- Thousands of existing visas have been revoked
The administration is also challenging birthright citizenship guaranteed under the 14th Amendment, representing one of the most constitutionally significant immigration battles in recent history.
Legal experts note that Congress has repeatedly failed to pass comprehensive immigration reform, and courts have previously blocked several of Trump's executive orders limiting immigration during his first term. The implementation mechanisms for Trump's newest proposals remain unspecified, likely setting the stage for prolonged legal challenges.
