A growing debate is emerging in the United States and abroad after President Donald Trump revealed new proposals that would dramatically reshape America’s immigration policy. His announcement signals a major shift that, if approved, could significantly affect people from several regions around the world, especially nations commonly classified as third-world countries.
The comments, delivered on Friday, November 28, have already sparked reaction and concern across different communities, including in parts of Africa.
According to Trump, immigration has created what he views as deep social and economic challenges within the United States. He linked the presence of foreigners particularly those from underdeveloped nations to what he claimed were strains on national systems, public resources, and social stability.
Trump argued that the current immigration framework needed a complete overhaul, saying he would soon approve new policy changes aimed at cutting what he termed “unnecessary travel” into the country.
In his own words, he stated, “I will permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries to allow the U.S. system to fully recover, terminate all of the millions of Biden admissions.”
He went on to say, “I will remove anyone who is not a net asset to the United States, or is incapable of loving our country, and end all Federal benefits and subsidies to noncitizens of our country.”
These remarks reflect the scale of restrictions he intends to pursue, though the actual implementation would still require approval from Congress before becoming law.
Africa is home to the largest number of nations classified as developing or underdeveloped.
Countries such as Burundi, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Somalia fall under the “third-world” category in East Africa. Kenya, however, is considered a developing nation with stronger economic potential and is not classed as a low-income country.
For this reason, it remains unclear whether Kenya would fall under the scope of the proposed restrictions should they move forward.
Even though the policy has not yet been enacted, the uncertainty around its interpretation has left many people wondering about the possible impact on African students, workers, and families living in or planning to travel to the United States.
Some observers believe the classification might depend on economic indicators, while others feel the term “third-world” is too broad and outdated to serve as the basis of a serious immigration rule.Trump also directed criticism at Somali communities living in the US, adding another layer of tension to an already sensitive issue.
He accused Somali refugees of contributing to disorder in parts of the country and made pointed remarks about Minnesota, a state with a large Somali-American population.
He linked these claims to political leaders in the state, saying, “As an example, hundreds of thousands of refugees from Somalia are completely taking over the once great State of Minnesota.
Somalian gangs are roving the streets looking for ‘prey’ as our wonderful people,” while singling out Governor Tim Walz and Representative Ilhan Omar in his comments.
Add Comment