Trump's Plan to "Permanently Pause" Migration from Poor Nations Following National Guard Shooting

President Donald Trump has declared his intention to "permanently pause migration" from less affluent nations, pledging to revoke legal status for millions of immigrants currently residing in the United States. In his rhetoric, Trump connects immigrants to various societal problems, from crime rates to housing shortages, characterizing these issues as part of America's "social dysfunction" while advocating for "REVERSE MIGRATION."

This intensified stance on immigration follows a tragic incident where two National Guard members were shot while patrolling Washington D.C. under presidential orders. One Guard member has died, while the other remains in critical condition.

In response to the shooting near the White House, administration officials have committed to reassessing millions of legal immigrants, building upon a ten-month effort to decrease the immigrant population. In an extensive social media statement released Thursday evening, the Republican president attributed a significant portion of America's societal challenges to individuals born outside the United States who now reside in the country.

Following Wednesday's shooting, Trump announced the deployment of 500 additional National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., though the source of these reinforcements remains unspecified.

As of early November, the D.C. National Guard maintained the largest presence with 949 members deployed. Additional forces from West Virginia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama were also stationed in the capital at the beginning of the month.

A federal judge recently ordered the termination of the Guard deployment but suspended this directive for 21 days, allowing the Trump administration to either withdraw the troops or appeal the decision.

Video evidence examined by investigators showed Lakanwal "came around the corner" Wednesday afternoon and immediately opened fire on the troops, according to Jeffery Carroll, an executive assistant D.C. police chief.

Guard members subdued the shooter, who was subsequently taken into custody. Authorities believe he acted alone.

Carroll indicated that it remains unclear whether Lakanwal was shot by one of the Guard members or by law enforcement. The suspect's injuries were not considered life-threatening.

Beckstrom, 20, and Wolfe, 24, were serving with the West Virginia National Guard in Washington D.C. as part of Trump's crime-reduction initiative that involved assuming control of local law enforcement operations. Nearly 2,200 Guard members from various states were participating in this mission.

Both Beckstrom and Wolfe had been on assignment in Washington since August, according to the West Virginia National Guard.

Beckstrom, from Summersville, West Virginia, had volunteered for the operation "to ensure the safety and security of our nation's capital," stated the West Virginia National Guard. A 2023 graduate of Webster County High School, she enlisted with the guard that same month and served "with distinction" as a military police officer.

Wolfe, from Martinsburg, West Virginia, began his service in February 2019 after graduating from Musselman High School that same year, according to Karla Troppman, a spokesperson for Berkeley County Schools.

Governor Patrick Morrisey issued a proclamation requesting all West Virginians observe a statewide moment of silence or prayer at 2:15 p.m. Friday to honor Wolfe and Beckstrom.

The governor also ordered flags lowered to half-staff in recognition of Beckstrom's death.

Wolfe serves with the 167th Force Support Squadron, while Beckstrom served with the 863rd Military Police Company, according to the governor's news release.

"These two West Virginia heroes were serving our country and protecting our nation's capital when they were maliciously attacked," Morrisey said. "Their courage and commitment to duty represent the very best of our state."

In a Fox News interview, Jeanine Pirro indicated that "many charges to come" would follow the upgraded murder charge.

She expressed condolences to Beckstrom's family, noting that the soldier volunteered to serve and "ended up being shot ambush-style on the cold streets of Washington, D.C., by an individual who will now be charged with murder in the first degree."

Pirro declined to discuss the suspect's motivation, stating that officials have been working continuously on that question. Investigations continue with warrants being executed in Washington state and other regions.

She mentioned that Wolfe remains in critical condition but "we still have hope."

"We are doing everything we can to assist his family and to make sure that they have everything they need during this difficult time for them," Pirro said.

Lakanwal, 29, previously worked in a special CIA-backed Afghan Army unit before emigrating from Afghanistan, according to two anonymous sources speaking to The Associated Press, and confirmed by #AfghanEvac, an organization assisting in resettling Afghans who supported U.S. efforts during the twenty-year war.

He entered the United States in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden administration program that evacuated and resettled tens of thousands of Afghans following the chaotic American withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Lakanwal applied for asylum during the Biden administration, though his asylum was approved under the Trump administration, according to #AfghanEvac.

Advocates have emphasized that extensive vetting was conducted and that the program provided crucial support to individuals at risk of Taliban retaliation.

Jeanine Pirro, U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, announced Friday that charges against the man allegedly responsible for shooting two National Guard members have been upgraded to first-degree murder following the death of one soldier.

Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, were hospitalized with critical injuries after Wednesday afternoon's shooting, with Trump announcing Thursday evening that Beckstrom had succumbed to her injuries.

As of Thursday morning, Rahmanullah Lakanwal faced charges of assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Pirro had previously indicated that charges would be upgraded to first-degree murder if any victims did not survive.

Pirro stated that Lakanwal drove across the country to execute an "ambush-style" attack using a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver. She added that "it's too soon to say" what motivated the suspect.

Refugee advocates express concern that those who escaped dangerous situations to build new lives in America may face backlash after authorities identified an Afghan national as responsible for shooting two National Guard soldiers, resulting in one fatality.

Many Afghans residing in the U.S. fear leaving their homes, worried about being targeted by immigration officials or subjected to hate speech, according to Shawn VanDiver, president of #AfghanEvac, the San Diego-based organization supporting Afghan resettlement.

"They're terrified. It's insane," VanDiver told The Associated Press Thursday. "People are acting xenophobic because of one deranged man. He doesn't represent all Afghans. He represents himself."