Trump expressed strong sentiments, suggesting the pause would be “for a long time” with “no time limit.” He believes the U.S. has “enough problems” and does not need individuals from nations he deems unfriendly or unstable. He indicated that the countries targeted by this policy might number more than 19, describing them as “very crime-ridden” and lacking “success.”

This announcement comes amidst broader shifts in U.S. immigration policy. Trump also criticized the previous Biden administration, accusing them of “screwing the country” by allowing “unchecked and unvetted” immigrants. He specifically targeted former Vice President Kamala Harris for her role in overseeing border security, posting on Truth Social that “Crooked Joe Biden, Mayorkas, and so-called ‘Border Czar’ Kamala Harris really screwed our Country.”

The Department of Homeland Security echoed these concerns, labeling the previous administration’s policies as an “act of national self-sabotage.” The DHS has also suspended immigration applications for Afghan nationals indefinitely. The issue gained further prominence following an incident near the White House where a National Guard member was killed and another injured. Officials pointed to the suspect’s immigration history, stating his application began under the Biden administration, holding the former leadership responsible for the tragic consequences.