President Donald Trump recently announced a significant policy change to halt immigration from third-world countries, citing concerns over the economic and social impact on the United States. The President's message, delivered via Truth Social, follows closely after a terrorist attack in Washington, D.C., involving an Afghan Army veteran.
On Thanksgiving Day, President Trump shared his administration's strategy to address the challenges posed by the substantial foreign population in the U.S. This announcement came in the wake of an attack by Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 28-year-old Afghan national who previously served with the Central Intelligence Agency as a partner force. After the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, Lakanwal was granted a temporary visa, which was extended by the Trump administration despite expiring in 2024.
The President's statement, delivered hours after the D.C. attack, called for a comprehensive pause on immigration from third-world nations. President Trump emphasized the burden on American society, referencing the 53 million foreign nationals residing in the U.S., as reported by the Census. He pointed out the various issues he believes are linked to this demographic, such as failed schools, high crime rates, and economic deficits.
President Trump outlined his position, stating, "This refugee burden is the leading cause of social dysfunction in America, something that did not exist after World War II." He further explained his belief that while the U.S. has progressed technologically, the current immigration policy has undermined these advancements, leading to deteriorating living conditions for many.
Democrats have responded to President Trump's immigration pause with fierce criticism. Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, in an interview with NBC News, interpreted Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's announcement as a racially motivated decision. "I take that as a message that they don't want brown people coming to the United States," Kelly said.
The conflict between Senator Kelly and President Trump has escalated following earlier events this month. Kelly, along with five other Democratic politicians, urged U.S. troops to resist "illegal orders" from the President. In turn, President Trump called for these Democrats to face sedition charges and arrest, labeling their actions as "Seditious behavior from traitors!!!"
In a subsequent video posted on X, Senator Kelly condemned political violence, referencing the attempted assassination of his wife, Gabby Giffords. Kelly vowed to persist in "speaking out" against such acts, despite President Trump's harsh criticisms.
The policy shift and ensuing political discord have reignited debates on immigration policy, national security, and the underlying motivations behind government actions.
