Former US President Donald Trump has declared he will implement a permanent pause on migration from all third world countries, following a violent incident in Washington DC that left two National Guard members shot.
Thanksgiving Announcement Sparks Controversy
In a social media post made after 11pm on Thursday, Trump began with "a very happy Thanksgiving" before outlining sweeping immigration measures. The US president stated his administration would "end all federal benefits and subsidies to noncitizens" and remove "anyone who is not a net asset to the United States."
The announcement comes just one day after two National Guard members were shot in Washington DC, an attack that has rapidly become a political flashpoint in Trump's ongoing crackdown on immigration.
Details of the DC Attack Emerge
Earlier on Thursday evening, Trump confirmed the death of Sarah Beckstrom, one of the two guard members injured in Wednesday's shooting near the White House.
Authorities currently suspect the attack was carried out by Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the United States in September 2021. His arrival occurred under a Biden-era programme that evacuated and resettled tens of thousands from Afghanistan following the chaotic US withdrawal from the country.
Legal Challenges and Implementation Questions
Significant questions remain about how the president would enact such a comprehensive "pause" in migration. Previous immigration bans issued by the Trump administration have faced substantial legal challenges in both courts and Congress.
The timing of the announcement, during the Thanksgiving holiday and immediately following a tragic incident, suggests the administration is moving quickly to capitalise on the political momentum surrounding immigration enforcement.
This development marks another controversial chapter in America's ongoing debate about border security and migration policy, with the DC shooting likely to intensify discussions about vetting procedures and entry requirements.
