By DAYO ADESULU
US President Announces Sweeping Restrictions on Thanksgiving Day
Focus Key Phrase: Trump permanent immigration ban
United States President Donald Trump has declared plans to permanently halt immigration from Nigeria and all other countries classified as “Third World” nations, marking one of the most far-reaching immigration directives of his administration. The announcement, which he posted late on Thanksgiving Day via his Truth Social account, immediately triggered global debate as observers tried to unpack its far-reaching consequences.
Trump Says Ban Will Allow US Immigration System to ‘Recover’
In the public statement, Trump claimed that the United States must “recover” from what he described as “millions of Joe Biden illegal admissions.” He argued that freezing immigration from dozens of developing countries was necessary to reset the system and restore what he called “national balance.”
Furthermore, Trump vowed that his government would begin removing anyone living in the U.S. who, in his words, is not a “net asset” or is “incapable of loving” the country. Though he did not outline a specific enforcement mechanism, his comments signaled a hard shift in immigration policy that could affect millions of people—especially those from African, Asian and Pacific nations.
Over 60 Countries, Including Nigeria, Fall Under Trump’s Target List
According to data Trump cited from the World Population Review, more than 60 nations fall under the Third World classification due to low human-capital rankings. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, is among those listed.
This framing, analysts say, could place Nigerians—currently one of the largest African immigrant communities in America—under a sweeping immigration freeze if the directive advances into official policy. Although Trump did not release a specific list in his post, he referenced existing global indexes to justify the scope of the ban.
Announcement Follows Death of US National Guard Member Near White House
Trump’s comments came shortly after he announced the death of Sarah Beckstrom, a West Virginia National Guard member who was shot near the White House. The accused shooter was identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old man from Afghanistan.
Although the White House has not officially linked the upcoming restrictions to this incident, the timing of the announcement has added emotional and political weight to Trump’s messaging. Many analysts noted that Trump has frequently used high-profile incidents involving foreign nationals to reinforce his immigration stance.
USCIS Begins Review of Green Cards Issued to ‘Countries of Concern’
In a related development, the Director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) revealed that he has ordered an immediate review of all previously issued green cards belonging to immigrants from countries deemed “of concern.”
The directive, he stated, follows Trump’s instructions and aims to identify individuals who may be affected if the proposed permanent immigration pause becomes law. When pressed by CNN to clarify which nations fall under this category, the USCIS chief pointed to a list of 19 countries highlighted in a June presidential proclamation.
Nations Included in the 19-Country Security Proclamation
The countries cited include:
Afghanistan
Burma
Chad
Republic of the Congo
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Haiti
Iran
Libya
Somalia
Sudan
Yemen
Burundi
Cuba
Laos
Sierra Leone
Togo
Turkmenistan
Venezuela
These countries have been previously flagged under various U.S. security, visa or travel-risk assessments. Analysts say Trump’s new order may expand this grouping significantly to include all nations traditionally labelled as Third World states.
Global Reactions Expected as Policy Unfolds
The announcement has already sparked conversations in diplomatic circles, especially across Africa and Asia. Nigeria’s foreign ministry is expected to issue a formal response as the potential impact on Nigerians—students, workers, families and green card holders—remains substantial.
Migration experts warn that a Trump permanent immigration ban could reshape global mobility patterns and fundamentally alter U.S. relations with developing nations. More reactions are expected as agencies begin interpreting the president’s directive.
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