A recent shooting near the White House involving an Afghan national has reignited tense debates on U.S. immigration. Former President Donald Trump announced plans to “permanently pause migration” from what he described as “Third World Countries,” blaming the Biden administration for what he called “illegal admissions” and ineffective immigration control.
While Trump did not specify the countries in question, officials from the Department of Homeland Security and USCIS confirmed a review of immigration approvals from 19 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Myanmar, and Somalia. Immigration processing for Afghan nationals has been halted.
Legal experts highlight that the term “Third World” has no recognized status in U.S. or international law. Originally coined during the Cold War, it referred to nations not aligned with the U.S. or Soviet Union. Today, institutions like the United Nations use defined terms such as “developing” or “lower-middle-income” countries. India falls under this income-based classification, not the vague Third World label.
Trump’s proposal includes halting migration from these nations, revoking benefits for noncitizens, and deporting migrants deemed a “public charge” or incompatible with American values. Despite the Afghan suspect’s legal status, Trump has called for tougher migration checks, deploying immigration officers to large cities and amplifying deportation efforts.
India, the second-largest foreign-born population in the U.S., is not on the concern list but remains cautious. With over 3.2 million Indian residents in America, many face long waits for green cards and closely follow evolving immigration rules that affect students, professionals, and families.
