President Donald Trump announced plans to "permanently pause migration" from certain countries after a shooting incident involving two National Guard members in Washington, D.C. The shooting, which occurred earlier this week, resulted in the death of one member and left another in critical condition. In a post on his social media platform late Thursday, Trump did not specify which countries would be affected, referring only to "Third World Countries."

The suspect in the shooting, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is an Afghan national who entered the U.S. in 2021. He was granted asylum in April 2025. Lakanwal had previously worked with the CIA during the Afghanistan War, according to law enforcement sources. Trump has linked the shooting to broader immigration issues, stating that it highlights a significant national security threat.

In his social media post, Trump outlined several actions he intends to pursue, including terminating millions of admissions made during the Biden administration. He stated, "We will remove anyone who is not a net asset to the United States" and called for an end to federal benefits for noncitizens. He also mentioned plans to deport foreign nationals deemed incompatible with Western civilization.

The shooting has intensified discussions about immigration policy. Trump has previously criticized the Biden administration's handling of Afghan refugees, suggesting that the program has led to increased risks for American citizens. He stated, "Only REVERSE MIGRATION can fully cure this situation," blaming immigrants for various societal issues, including crime and housing shortages.

Critics of Trump's immigration stance argue that his claims about immigrants contributing to crime are unfounded. Studies have shown that immigrants are generally less likely to commit crimes than U.S.-born citizens. Despite this, Trump asserted that many foreign-born residents are on welfare or involved in criminal activities.

Following the shooting, officials have pledged to review the legal status of millions of immigrants. The incident has raised concerns among refugee advocates, who fear that Afghan nationals may face backlash due to the actions of one individual. Shawn VanDiver, president of the group #AfghanEvac, expressed concern for the safety of Afghans in the U.S., stating, "They’re terrified. It’s insane. People are acting xenophobic because of one deranged man. He doesn’t represent all Afghans. He represents himself."

As the administration moves forward with its immigration policies, the implications for millions of immigrants living in the U.S. remain uncertain. Trump’s proposals could significantly impact the nation’s long-standing identity as a refuge for those seeking safety and opportunity.