US President Donald Trump recently defended his migration ban, emphasizing the need to protect US interests. He referenced Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act during his remarks on his social media platform, Truth Social. This section authorizes the president to suspend the entry of aliens if their admission may be harmful to national interests.
Details of the Migration Ban
Trump’s firm stance comes despite appeals from various United Nations agencies urging the US to continue its asylum policies. He expressed intentions to implement severe measures against migrants deemed detrimental to US society. These measures include:
- Denaturalization of migrants undermining domestic order.
- Ending federal benefits for non-citizens.
- Deportation of foreign nationals considered a public charge or security risk.
However, the White House and the Department of Homeland Security have not provided details on how these measures will be enforced.
Current Actions and Safeguards
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has initiated a pause in asylum decision-making. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow confirmed that asylum officers are now halting decisions until enhanced vetting procedures are established, prioritizing public safety.
Additionally, the US State Department, led by Secretary Marco Rubio, has suspended visa issuance for travelers holding Afghan passports, characterizing this action as a necessary security measure. Rubio stated, “The United States has no higher priority than protecting our nation and our people.”
Context of the Recent Decisions
The latest restrictions follow a violent incident near the White House, where two National Guard soldiers were critically injured in a shooting. Spec. Sarah Beckstrom, aged 20, later succumbed to her injuries, while Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, aged 24, remains hospitalized.
The shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, is expected to face first-degree murder charges along with additional counts.
Impact on Asylum Claims
According to sources, this pause significantly affects all pending asylum claims, including those from individuals seeking protection based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group membership. By the end of 2024, USCIS reported over 1.4 million pending affirmative asylum claims, and the suspension will likely worsen current delays.
