Trump’s Immigration Overhaul Announcement
New York: Following the tragic death of a National Guard soldier, President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning regarding citizenship for those he claims disrupts “domestic tranquility” and has proposed a halt to immigration from what he refers to as ‘third-world countries’.
In a vehement post on Truth Social late Thursday, Trump outlined his intentions for significant immigration reforms aimed at individuals he deems as not contributing positively to the United States or lacking a genuine affection for the nation.
“I will impose a permanent pause on migration from all Third World Countries to allow the US system to fully recover,” he stated, emphasizing the need to restore national gains and living standards.
Trump’s definition of ‘third world countries’ remains vague, leaving it open to interpretation.
This latest stance is part of his ongoing immigration campaign, which initially focused on deporting over 12 million undocumented migrants and has now expanded to include legal residents and citizens.
Culturally, Trump’s criteria for citizenship removal includes those he considers “non-compatible with Western Civilization”.
His proposals, which may conflict with existing immigration laws, also suggest stripping welfare and government benefits from non-citizens, including Green Card holders.
Previously, Joseph Edlow, head of immigration services, indicated that under Trump’s directives, a comprehensive review of every Green Card holder from countries of concern is underway.
A list of 19 ‘countries of concern’ released by Trump includes Afghanistan, the homeland of Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the alleged shooter involved in the incident that resulted in the death of one National Guard member and left another critically injured.
Lakanwal, who previously collaborated with the CIA in Afghanistan, was relocated to the US under a program designed to protect those who assisted Americans during the Taliban’s advance.
In his post, Trump expressed intentions to “denaturalize migrants who threaten domestic tranquility” and deport any foreign national deemed a public charge or security risk.
The term ‘denaturalization’ refers to the process of revoking citizenship from immigrants who have already become US citizens.
Trump aims to achieve a significant reduction in illegal and disruptive populations, including those admitted through unauthorized processes, which he claims were facilitated by his predecessor Joe Biden’s administration.
He stated, “Only REVERSE MIGRATION can fully cure this situation.”
Conversely, Trump has shown support for skilled migration to the US, defending the H1B visa program as essential for national defense and industry.
However, he has also imposed restrictions on the H1B program, mandating sponsors to pay $100,000 for bringing in foreign workers, although this does not affect those already residing in the country.
While Trump has not clarified what constitutes ‘third world’, the term is often used pejoratively and can encompass a broad range of developing nations.
According to the United Nations, 124 countries fall under the developing nations category, while the International Monetary Fund lists 152, covering a significant portion of the globe.
Trump has challenged the classification of developing countries, particularly arguing that China should not be included.
In a subsequent post, he made sweeping generalizations to justify cutting benefits for non-citizens and increasing deportations.
“The official US foreign population is 53 million, with many relying on welfare from failed nations or involved in criminal activities,” he claimed.
Trump has criticized Biden for allowing individuals from these categories to enter the country, asserting that his administration had a more stringent border policy.
In reality, most immigrants do not rely on welfare, with immigrant men working at a higher rate than native-born American men, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Trump claimed that a migrant earning $30,000 annually would receive approximately $50,000 in benefits for their family, a statement that does not reflect the reality for many immigrants who earn significantly more and contribute more in taxes.
For instance, Indian immigrants have a median household income of $156,000, compared to $75,000 for the average American household, with only six percent of Indian immigrants living in poverty.
Pew Research also reported that Asian immigrants have a median household income of $105,000.
Last month, Trump’s administration issued orders to terminate food assistance for certain lawful residents, including refugees and asylum seekers, a move currently being challenged in federal court by attorneys general from 21 Democrat-led states.
In addition to Afghanistan, the countries identified for enhanced vetting include Burma, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
