Lagatar24 Desk
Washington DC: US President Donald Trump on Sunday defended his decision to permanently pause migration from all “third-world countries,” stating that the move aligns with Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The remark comes amid sharp criticism from global human rights organisations and UN agencies urging the United States to continue granting asylum access.
Section 212(f) Cited as Legal Basis for Restriction
Trump referenced Section 212(f), which authorises a US President to suspend the entry of “any aliens or class of aliens” if their admission is deemed harmful to national interests. He reiterated that the freeze would remain in place as long as necessary. Trump has previously signalled additional measures, including denaturalisation of migrants accused of “undermining domestic tranquility,” cutting federal benefits for non-citizens, and deporting foreign nationals considered a “public charge, security risk or incompatible with Western civilisation.” The White House and DHS have not yet clarified the implementation framework.
Migration Crackdown Intensifies After Washington Shooting Incident
The administration has already triggered enforcement actions consistent with the freeze. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow confirmed that asylum officers have been ordered to stop issuing decisions until enhanced vetting is completed for every applicant. The US State Department has paused visa issuance for travellers holding Afghan passports, citing national security risks. This comes days after a shooting incident near the White House left two National Guard soldiers critically injured; 20-year-old Specialist Sarah Beckstrom later died while Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe remains hospitalised. The alleged gunman, Rahmanullah Lakanwal — an Afghan national — is facing first-degree murder charges.
