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Trump Promises to Pause All Migration from “Third World Countries” — What It Means for Immigrants Now

Pausing Third World Migration: Trump’s Latest Immigration Proposal

Donald Trump announced late at night on the eve of Thanksgiving that he intends to implement a ‘permanent pause’ on third world immigration. This follows a recent violent incident — likely an act of domestic terrorism — involving National Guard members in an attack near the White House. One member of the National Guard, Sarah Beckstrom, died as a result of this shooting.

The suspect is alleged to be an Afghan national who entered the U.S. under the Biden-era program that evacuated and resettled thousands of Afghans after the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. troops from the country.

This statement marks one of the broadest and most aggressive third world migration restrictions ever proposed. It signals sweeping changes that could affect millions of immigrants, visa-holders, and applicants in the U.S. and abroad. It signals sweeping changes that could affect millions of immigrants, visa-holders, and applicants in the U.S. and abroad.

What are “Third-World Countries?”

To add context, “Third-world countries” is an outdated Cold War–era term. Today, it’s commonly used to refer to developing or low-income nations facing significant economic and social challenges. These countries typically have lower gross domestic product per capita (the total monetary value of all goods and services produced within a country’s borders over a year). They also tend to have higher poverty rates, limited industrialization, and weaker political institutions.

Healthcare systems are often underfunded in third-world countries. Education levels tend to be lower, bringing more immigration to the United States. Infrastructure such as roads, clean water systems, and electrical grids may be unreliable or insufficient. Many of these nations also face instability, whether from crime, corruption, internal conflict, or ethnic and political tensions.

In addition, countries labeled as “third world” often struggle with high unemployment, dependence on foreign aid, vulnerability to global market shocks, and limited social safety nets. Inequality and human-rights issues may be more prevalent. These include restrictions on political participation, gender inequality, and insufficient protections for minorities.

The term is outdated, but its modern usage refers to nations that lack strong institutions and economic stability. These countries also struggle with providing reliable public services.These factors push many individuals to migrate in search of safety, opportunity, and stability.

No official list of targeted third world immigration countries has been released. The legal mechanism for a ‘permanent pause’ remains unclear.

The following is a list of what we think could be considered ‘third world immigration’ countries.

This is not an exhaustive list of all so-called ‘third world’ or ‘developing’ countries. It’s just a representative list for this article.

• Afghanistan
• Haiti
• Cuba
• Venezuela
• Burma (Myanmar)
• Bangladesh
• Pakistan
• Nepal
• Sri Lanka
• Syria
• Iraq
• Yemen
• Sudan
• South Sudan
• Somalia
• Ethiopia
• Eritrea
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Nigeria
• Liberia
• Chad
• Central African Republic
• Mali
• Niger
• Cameroon
• Guatemala
• Honduras
• El Salvador
• Nicaragua
• Bolivia

Ending Federal Benefits for Immigrants from Third World Countries

According to Trump, his administration also plans to end all federal benefits for non-citizens. It will remove anyone who is not a so-called “net asset” to the country. He also stated that immigration cases from certain nationalities are already being halted. In addition, federal agencies will conduct full reviews of asylum, refugee, and green-card cases for people from “countries of concern.”

How Do Restrictions Affect Immigrants?

  • Asylum, refugee applications, family-based petitions, employment visas, and humanitarian programs may face long delays or complete pauses. This will depend on country of origin.
  • Already granted asylum, TPS, green cards? Have a pending visas? You may see your cases reopened or re-examined.
  • Trump has promised to block federal support programs from reaching non-citizens. This could affect access to basic services, health coverage, and safety-net support.
  • Many who came to the U.S. legally or in search of protection now face the possibility of losing status or having fewer pathways available.

Proposals for broad nationwide bans on entire regions or classifications of immigrants repeatedly spark legal challenges because:

  • U.S. immigration law requires defined procedures, categories, and due-process protections.
  • The President cannot unilaterally revoke benefits or statuses without statutory authority.
  • Mass reviews or removals are extremely difficult to execute on a national scale.
  • Similar sweeping bans in the past were narrowed, delayed, or overturned in court.

Despite this, major uncertainty for immigrants is likely as agencies attempt to interpret and implement the administration’s directives.

I’m an Immigrant from a Third-World Country. What Should I Do?

  • Stay in Close Contact with an Immigration Attorney
    Do not assume your case is safe or moving forward normally.
  • File Necessary Applications as Soon as Possible
    If you are eligible and planning to apply, waiting could become riskier.
  • Gather and Organize Your Documentation
    Keep proof of status, entry, identity, hardship, and eligibility ready for any government review.
  • Prepare for Possible Policy Changes
    Even people with approved status should plan for complications.

This moment is frightening for many immigrants — especially those who fled violence, instability, or persecution. Sweeping statements about “pausing all migration” create fear and confusion. However, they do not erase the laws, protections, and rights that already exist.

Shepelsky Law Group remains committed to fighting for every client.

We will continue to challenge unjust decisions, defend immigrants in court, and advise families on the safest path forward.

If you or someone you know is at risk of detention or needs urgent legal assistance, don’t wait! Shepelsky Law Group’s expert immigration attorneys are ready to fight for your rights.
📞 Call us now at (718) 769-6352 or book your consultation today!

Shepelsky Law Group is here to support you, guide you, and stand up for your rights every step of the way.