How Trump’s 2025 migration pause affects visas, asylum, and green card applicants?

A deadly shooting in Washington, D.C. has triggered a sharp new turn in U.S. immigration policy. On November 28, 2025, President Donald J. Trump announced on social media and in public statements that he is “permanently pausing migration from all Third World Countries.”

In his post the president said he would allow the U.S. system “to fully recover,” end “the millions of Biden illegal admissions,” and remove anyone “not a net asset to the United States.”He also added that all federal benefits and subsidies for non-citizens will end; that migrants who “undermine domestic tranquillity” could be denaturalized; and that foreign nationals judged a public charge, security risk, or “non-compatible with Western civilization” could be deported. 

The announcement came after an incident near the White House in which two members of the U.S. National Guard were shot. A 29-year-old Afghan national, who had been resettled in the United States under a prior program, has been detained as a suspect. 

In response, the administration ordered a full re-examination of green cards issued to immigrants from “countries of concern.” The government also paused all asylum decisions and suspended visa issuance for certain foreign nationals, including Afghan nationals holding passports.

If these changes could affect you or someone you know, legal guidance is important. T.P.L. Global is a trusted U.S. immigration law consultant for individuals and families who need clarity during policy shifts.

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What triggered this change

• On November 26, 2025, a gunman opened fire near the White House. Two National Guard members, a 20-year-old specialist and a 24-year-old staff sergeant, were shot. One died.

• The suspect was identified as an Afghan national who had entered the U.S. under a resettlement program.

• The shooting prompted criticism of U.S. immigration and vetting policies. The White House responded with sweeping measures.

What Trump announced

• A “permanent pause” on migration from all that he called “Third World Countries”, though he did not define which countries that includes.

• End all federal benefits or subsidies for non-citizens in the U.S.

• Denaturalization and deportation of migrants deemed a security risk, public charge, or not compatible with his definition of “Western civilisation.”

• A rigorous review of all green cards issued to immigrants from “countries of concern.”

• Pause of asylum decisions and halt to certain visa issuances, including for Afghan nationals.

What remains unclear

• Which exact countries will be affected by the “Third World Countries” label?

• How the “pause” will be enforced legally. Previous bans under Trump faced court challenges.

• What will happen to migrants who were already admitted under prior immigration/visa programmes, including resettlement or asylum seekers?

What critics and advocates are saying

• Some civil rights and refugee-advocacy organisations call the sweeping measures collective punishment. They argue that immigrants who have followed lawful resettlement should not be penalised for one individual’s actions.

• The move could put many asylum seekers in limbo. With asylum decisions halted and visa issuances paused, those seeking protection may face long delays or denial without a clear resolution.

• Some warn that undefined criteria like “net asset,” “Western civilisation compatibility,” or “public charge” leave room for arbitrary decisions and discrimination.

Wider context of U.S. immigration policy

• Earlier in 2025, the U.S. imposed travel bans or restrictions on several countries—mostly in Africa and the Middle East—citing security concerns.

• The new pause marks a further escalation, now targeting legal immigration, asylum and green-card holders, not only travel visas.

What this means for migrants, refugees and the global community

• People from many countries, especially developing ones, who hoped to migrate for work, safety or a better life, may find U.S. doors closed for an unknown duration.

• Refugees and asylum seekers could be denied protection or face deportation despite passing prior vetting.

• Families already living in the U.S. may lose benefits, face uncertainty, or fear for their residency status.

Conclusion

The shooting in Washington became a turning point in U.S. immigration policy. The president responded with sweeping restrictions. His announcement to “permanently pause migration from Third World Countries” leaves many unanswered questions. There is no clear list of countries affected, no timeline for the pause, and no clarity for immigrants already living in the U.S. People who came here for safety, work or family are now facing uncertainty that may last a long time.

If these changes could affect you or someone you know, legal guidance is important. T.P.L. Global is a trusted U.S. immigration law consultant for individuals and families who need clarity during policy shifts.

Get professional guidance today: https://www.tplglobal.net/consult