Donald Trump has announced plans to “permanently pause migration from all third world countries” following a shooting that injured two national guard members in Washington DC. The president’s remarks came after the death of Sarah Beckstrom, one of the two guards shot near the White House on Wednesday. Authorities suspect the attacker was Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the US in September 2021 and was granted asylum in April under the Trump administration.
In a social media post, Trump said his administration would “end all federal benefits and subsidies to noncitizens” and remove “anyone who is not a net asset to the United States.” However, it remains unclear how such a pause would be implemented, as previous attempts have faced legal challenges. The president did not specify which countries he considers “third world” or outline the criteria for the proposed ban.
The other guard member, Andrew Wolfe, 24, is still fighting for his life, according to Trump. The shooting has reignited debate over US immigration policy, particularly regarding asylum seekers from conflict zones.
