Trump says will permanently pause migration from all third world countries

New York/Washington: In response to the recent killing of a US National Guard member by an Afghan national, US President Donald Trump announced a permanent pause on migration from all 'third world' countries. He also directed the deportation of foreign nationals deemed a 'security risk' and a re-examination of all Green Cards issued to immigrants from countries of concern.

Trump’s move targets 19 nations, including Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia, Venezuela, and Yemen, where he says migration has contributed to social and economic burdens. USCIS will now consider "negative, country-specific factors' in evaluating visa and Green Card applications, effectively tightening scrutiny for immigrants from these countries.

For Indian nationals, this decision may have indirect consequences. While India is not among the 19 countries on the immediate list, the Trump administration’s policy signals a broader shift towards stricter immigration enforcement, heightened vetting, and reduced leniency for migrants from countries perceived as "high risk.' Students, professionals, and workers applying for visas may face longer processing times, more intense background checks, and stricter documentation requirements.

Experts say the policy could also affect family- based immigration and those on temporary work visas, as USCIS officers may apply similar country -specific scrutiny. The announcement comes amid criticism that the US is prioritising national security over humanitarian and skilled migration, potentially impacting Indian students, IT professionals, and families seeking to settle in the United States.