Following a deadly attack by an Afghan national, the president outlines plans for “reverse migration” and explores expansive statutory powers to reshape U.S. immigration law.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
President Donald Trump said he intends to enact far-reaching immigration reforms using his executive authority under federal law, following a string of violent incidents involving recent migrants. The president’s message, shared in a Thanksgiving Truth Social post, called for “reverse migration” and pledged to “permanently pause migration from all Third World countries.”
The announcement came days after a 29-year-old Afghan national was charged in the ambush shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., leaving one soldier dead and another critically injured. Separately, Fox News reported that another Afghan national admitted under Operation Allies Welcome was arrested after posting a video on TikTok that appeared to show him constructing a bomb intended for the Fort Worth area.
In his post, Trump vowed to revoke “millions of Biden illegal admissions,” end federal benefits for non-citizens, and begin denaturalization proceedings for those deemed incompatible with “Western Civilization.” He concluded, “HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL, except those that hate, steal, murder, and destroy everything that America stands for—You won’t be here for long!”
Presidential Authority on Entry Suspension
According to a Just the News report, federal law grants the president broad authority to restrict or suspend the entry of foreign nationals. Under 8 U.S.C. §1182(f), the president may “suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens” if he determines their admission would be detrimental to U.S. interests. Courts have upheld this authority repeatedly, most notably in Sale v. Haitian Centers Council (1993) and Trump v. Hawaii (2018), confirming that the president can determine who may enter and under what conditions.
The president also holds complementary powers under 8 U.S.C. §1185(a)(1) to issue “reasonable rules, regulations, and orders” governing entry and removal. While this authority is extensive, it cannot override other provisions of immigration law, meaning executive actions must remain consistent with statutory limits.
Visa and Green Card Revocation
The administration can also revoke visa petitions and green cards under 8 U.S.C. §1155, allowing the Secretary of Homeland Security to reverse approvals “for good and sufficient cause.” The Supreme Court recently affirmed that such decisions are not subject to judicial review. Green cards may also be rescinded if recipients were inadmissible at entry or later engaged in disqualifying conduct under 8 U.S.C. §1182.
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow indicated that reviews are already underway. In a series of posts on X, Edlow said he has ordered a “rigorous reexamination of every Green Card for every alien from every country of concern” and later announced a suspension of asylum decisions until “every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible.”
Denaturalization Authority
Federal prosecutors may initiate denaturalization proceedings under 8 U.S.C. §1451 when citizenship was obtained through fraud or misrepresentation. Civil cases require “clear, convincing, and unequivocal evidence,” while criminal prosecutions under 18 U.S.C. §1425 demand proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Those stripped of citizenship revert to their prior immigration status and may face removal.
Constitutional Safeguards
The president’s actions remain subject to due process protections. In a 2024 case under the Alien Enemies Act, the Supreme Court held that non-citizens in removal proceedings are entitled to notice, legal counsel, and an opportunity to file for habeas relief before deportation.
Legislative Proposals Aligned With the Agenda
Supporters in Congress are moving to codify parts of the administration’s immigration strategy. On November 20, Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, introduced the “Pausing All Admissions Until Security Ensured (PAUSE) Act,” which would halt most immigration until new security measures are enacted. The bill seeks to eliminate the visa lottery, end family-based chain migration, raise visa fees, and restrict entry of individuals considered security risks.
“The problem isn’t just illegal immigration; it’s also legal immigration,” Roy said in his statement. “The system has been overwhelmed, and Congress must act to restore control.”
With multiple avenues of authority already available under existing law, Trump’s proposals could dramatically reshape federal immigration policy without new legislation—though court challenges are likely to follow any major executive action.
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