Trump Pauses Migration: US Does Not Welcome Migrants From Poorer Countries

Trump says migrants from poorer countries are not welcome in the US and is hitting pause on migration. People are already panicking about what this could mean for visas, asylum, and Green Cards.

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday, November 28, that his administration will work to “permanently pause” migration from all “Third World Countries” to allow the US system to fully recover.

The President wants to stop all federal benefits for non-citizens, denaturalize migrants who “undermine domestic tranquility,” and deport anyone considered a public charge, a security risk, or “non-compatible with Western civilisation.”

He also said his plan would include terminating millions of admissions approved under former President Biden, including ones signed with what he called “Sleepy Joe Biden’s Autopen.” In short, anyone not considered a “net asset” to the US could be at risk.

Also read: Trump to Ban Obese Immigrants and Special Needs Children from U.S.

Image credit: Canva Pro

Trump framed this move as a way to let the US immigration system recover and reduce disruption. “These goals will be pursued with the aim of achieving a major reduction in illegal and disruptive populations,” he said.

The announcement comes after a National Guard member was shot near the White House, allegedly by an Afghan national who had been granted asylum earlier this year. After that, US Citizenship and Immigration Services stopped processing all Afghan immigration requests indefinitely.

Trump also ordered a widespread review of asylum cases and Green Cards issued to citizens of 19 countries under Biden. The White House and USCIS have not yet responded to requests for comment.

What is a Third World country?

Source: World Population Review Website | Third World Countries 2025

The term “Third World country” is outdated and usually refers to low-income or developing nations.

Here’s a numbered list of countries often included in this category:

1. South Sudan

2. Somalia

3. Central African Republic

4. Chad

5. Niger

6. Mali

7. Burundi

8. Burkina Faso

9. Sierra Leone

10. Yemen

11. Madagascar

12. Mozambique

13. Afghanistan

14. Ethiopia

15. Guinea

16. Eritrea

17. Liberia

18. Sudan

19. Djibouti

20. Guinea-Bissau

21. Benin

22. Malawi

23. DR Congo

24. Gambia

25. Senegal

26. Pakistan

27. Lesotho

28. Haiti

29. Tanzania

30. Nigeria

31. Mauritania

32. Syria

33. Togo

34. Papua New Guinea

35. Rwanda

36. Uganda

37. Ivory Coast

38. Solomon Islands

39. Cameroon

40. Zambia

41. Zimbabwe

42. Comoros

43. Cambodia

44. Myanmar

45. Micronesia

46. Angola

47. Laos

48. Vanuatu

49. Nepal

50. Kenya

51. Ghana

52. Timor-Leste

53. Sao Tome and Principe

54. Kiribati

55. Honduras

56. Republic of the Congo

57. Guatemala

58. Namibia

59. Cape Verde

60. Palestine

61. Equatorial Guinea

62. El Salvador

63. India

64. Bangladesh

65. Tuvalu

66. Tajikistan

67. Iraq

68. Eswatini

69. Bhutan

For people living in third world countries who are also planning to travel, work, or study in the US, this is a situation to watch closely. Keep an eye on visa approvals, asylum requests, and Green Card processing, especially if you’re from countries that might fall under this pause. Double-check your documents and stay updated through official channels to avoid last-minute surprises at the airport.

Policies like this can shift quickly. Staying informed is the safest move for anyone planning to enter the US.

Featured image credit: Donald J. Trump Facebook Page; Canva Pro