The statement was issued on his social media platform, Truth Social, following an incident near the White House that he linked to lapses in immigration vetting under the previous administration.
Trump did not specify which countries fall under this category, nor did he clarify what a “permanent pause” would involve. He said the plan would also apply to cases approved during former President Joe Biden’s tenure.
In his Thanksgiving message, Trump said the US immigration system was under “extraordinary pressure” and needed a complete halt in order to recover. He vowed to end what he called “millions of Biden-era illegal admissions” and remove anyone he believes is not a “net asset” to the country.
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He claimed the foreign-born population in the United States had reached 53 million and alleged that many individuals come from struggling economies, welfare-dependent populations, or countries with high crime rates. According to Trump, this has increased strain on national resources, affected the education system, and contributed to unemployment and social challenges.
Trump further alleged that immigrants earning around $30,000 annually receive nearly $50,000 in state benefits, insisting that the actual immigrant population is higher than official figures.
He also referenced the state of Minnesota, claiming that Somali immigrants have significantly changed its demographic landscape, and he criticized the state’s leadership, including Congresswoman Ilhan Omar.
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The president said his administration would work to block immigration from “all Third World countries,” deport individuals who entered during the Biden administration, and revoke citizenship of those he deems incompatible with “Western civilisation” or not beneficial to the United States.
He added that federal benefits and subsidies would be reserved for American citizens only, describing “reverse migration” as the long-term solution. Trump concluded by saying that individuals who “hate, harm, or destroy America” would not be allowed to remain in the country.
The announcement comes as his administration continues to enforce stricter immigration laws, enhanced border monitoring, and revisions to visa policies, moves that analysts say mark a significant escalation in US immigration policy.
