US President Donald Trump announced that his administration plans to maintain a freeze on asylum decisions for "a long time," citing national security concerns. The decision is linked to 19 countries already facing US travel restrictions, and the Afghan national who allegedly shot two National Guard members near the White House, killing one of them.
Trump stated that he has "no time limit" in mind for the measure, which he believes will prevent individuals who pose a threat to national security from entering the country. He emphasized that many asylum seekers have been "no good" and should not be allowed into the US.
The decision comes amid controversy surrounding Trump's administration's handling of immigration, including the approval of asylum for Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the suspect in the recent National Guard shooting. The shooting suspect was granted asylum under the Trump administration and had worked with CIA-backed units in Afghanistan before coming to the US.
Trump also granted clemency to private equity executive David Gentile, who was convicted of a $1.6 billion fraud scheme. Additionally, there are concerns about the gutting of the federal watchdog system at the Department of Homeland Security, which could lead to grave immigration abuses if left unchecked.
In related news, Hondurans began voting in an election held amid threats by Trump to cut aid to the country if his preferred candidate loses. The election is seen as a turning point for Honduras, with polls showing three candidates neck-and-neck in the race to succeed President Xiomara Castro's husband, Manuel Zelaya.
Overall, Trump's latest actions on immigration have sparked concerns about national security, human rights, and the potential for abuses if his administration is not held accountable.
Trump stated that he has "no time limit" in mind for the measure, which he believes will prevent individuals who pose a threat to national security from entering the country. He emphasized that many asylum seekers have been "no good" and should not be allowed into the US.
The decision comes amid controversy surrounding Trump's administration's handling of immigration, including the approval of asylum for Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the suspect in the recent National Guard shooting. The shooting suspect was granted asylum under the Trump administration and had worked with CIA-backed units in Afghanistan before coming to the US.
Trump also granted clemency to private equity executive David Gentile, who was convicted of a $1.6 billion fraud scheme. Additionally, there are concerns about the gutting of the federal watchdog system at the Department of Homeland Security, which could lead to grave immigration abuses if left unchecked.
In related news, Hondurans began voting in an election held amid threats by Trump to cut aid to the country if his preferred candidate loses. The election is seen as a turning point for Honduras, with polls showing three candidates neck-and-neck in the race to succeed President Xiomara Castro's husband, Manuel Zelaya.
Overall, Trump's latest actions on immigration have sparked concerns about national security, human rights, and the potential for abuses if his administration is not held accountable.