Trump’s “Permanent Pause” on Immigration: Which Countries Are Affected — And Where Does Pakistan Stand?

Trump says he will ‘permanently pause’ immigration from ‘third-world countries’ after White House shooting
Move raises questions in Pakistan as list includes Afghanistan, Iran, Haiti, Somalia, Venezuela and others — but not Pakistan

WEBDESK – Imran Malik – November 28, 2025 U.S. President Donald Trump announced Friday that he will “permanently pause” immigration from what he described as “third-world countries,” saying the decision is needed to allow America’s security and vetting systems “to fully recover.”

The declaration came a day after a National Guard service member was shot and killed near the White House in what investigators say was an ambush carried out by an Afghan national. Trump called the attack “an act of terror.”

In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump said he would end federal benefits and subsidies for “noncitizens” and pledged to denaturalize migrants who undermine domestic tranquility and deport anyone deemed a “public charge, security risk, or non-compatible with Western civilization.”

The president concluded his comments by offering Thanksgiving wishes to Americans — “except those that hate, steal, murder, and destroy everything that America stands for. You won’t be here for long!”

Which countries fall under “third-world” restrictions? Is Pakistan included?

When asked by BBC which states fall under the new immigration freeze, officials pointed to a June White House announcement naming Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, Iran, Somalia and Venezuela.

Other countries facing renewed green-card scrutiny include Myanmar, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Yemen, Laos, Turkmenistan, Guyana, Eritrea, Sierra Leone, Togo and Libya.

Pakistan is not included in either list, according to the June briefing referenced by the administration.

Security tightening continues after Afghan-origin shooting

The Afghan suspect, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered the U.S. in 2021 under the Afghanistan resettlement program launched after the U.S. troop withdrawal. He was granted asylum earlier this year.

The attack, which killed one National Guard member and critically injured another, has intensified pressure on the administration’s immigration and vetting systems. Officials at the Department of Homeland Security say Trump has also ordered a comprehensive review of all asylum cases approved under the Biden administration and green cards issued to citizens of 19 countries.

Trump’s move marks one of his toughest immigration positions since returning to office, signaling a sweeping overhaul that is expected to reshape U.S. policy debates in the months ahead.

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