In a significant policy announcement, former US President Donald Trump declared intentions to implement a permanent suspension on migration from countries he categorizes as ‘third-world,’ asserting this measure is essential for allowing the American system to recover. The controversial proposal follows the recent suspension of immigration applications from Afghan nationals after a shooting incident in Washington, D.C., that resulted in the death of National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom and critical injuries to another.
Trump’s immigration framework includes aggressive measures such as mass deportations of individuals deemed ‘not a net asset to the United States,’ denaturalization of those accused of undermining domestic tranquility, and the expulsion of foreign nationals considered public charges or security risks. Additionally, the plan entails cutting federal benefits for non-citizens and terminating millions of immigration approvals granted under the Biden administration.
The terminology used in the proposal—’third-world’—has drawn criticism for being outdated and potentially derogatory. Modern international institutions, including the United Nations, now employ more precise classifications such as ‘Least Developed Countries’ (LDCs), which are evaluated based on economic, educational, and technological metrics, alongside human asset indicators and economic vulnerability.
Currently, 44 nations are classified as LDCs, with 32 in Africa, 8 in Asia, 1 in the Caribbean, and 3 in the Pacific. This list is dynamic, with countries such as Bangladesh, Laos, and Nepal scheduled for ‘graduation’ from the category as early as 2026 based on improved development indicators.
The announcement reinforces Trump’s longstanding hardline stance on immigration, though it lacks specificity regarding which nations would be affected under the broad and historically charged ‘third-world’ label.