U.S. President Donald Trump said he plans to “permanently suspend” immigration from “third world” countries, without specifying which nations, asserting the move is needed to “stabilize” the U.S. immigration system.
The declaration came a day after an alleged incident in Washington in which an Afghan national reportedly shot two National Guard soldiers. In a social media post, Trump also warned he would void “millions” of immigration approvals granted during Joe Biden’s presidency and deport “anyone who is not a true asset” to the United States.
Separately, the administration said it would re-examine green cards from 19 countries. USCIS chief Joseph Edlow stated the president had directed a strict review of every green card issued to citizens of those nations identified as “risk” or “concern.”
The White House did not release a list of affected countries, a legal timeline, or details on how previously approved cases would be rescinded. Civil-liberties and immigration groups have yet to formally respond, while agencies prepare guidance on the expanded vetting directive.