Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced a high-profile recommendation Monday to ban entry to the US for nationals of several countries, directly responding to last week’s fatal attack on a National Guard soldier.
Kristi Noem wrote on X after speaking with President Donald Trump, backing the plan. “Just spoke with the President. I recommend a total travel shutdown from all countries linked to rising crime and public assistance use,” she wrote.
Her message continued: “Our forefathers built this nation through sacrifice, hard work, and a strong commitment to freedom—not to allow individuals from other countries to harm our soldiers or use resources designated for American citizens. These actions are not acceptable.”
Context of a Recent Tragedy
This statement comes after last week’s armed attack in the capital. Two National Guard members were shot during patrol; one died, and one remains hospitalized.
Federal authorities revealed that the suspected attacker was an Afghan national. He had legally entered the United States in September 2021 during the military evacuation.
Donald Trump shared his secretary’s message on Truth Social without adding a comment. Hours after the shooting, he had already spoken out: “It is imperative to thoroughly screen all Afghan nationals who arrived during the Biden administration, and to adopt the necessary measures to deport anyone who does not belong on our soil or does not enrich our society.”
An Escalation of Anti-Immigration Positions
The day after the incident, the president used social media to announce a plan to “permanently” halt immigration from countries he calls less developed.
The Department of Homeland Security did not clarify which countries Noem’s proposal would target. The lack of specifics leaves affected communities, travelers, and agencies uncertain about who would be covered by the ban and the procedures for implementing it.
This initiative continues a series of restrictive measures by the administration, including a June decree barring entry to citizens of 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
Three months later, the government set the annual refugee quota at 7,500 people, a record low. According to a Federal Register notice, these slots would prioritize white South African nationals.
Still-Unclear Contours
A makeshift memorial has taken shape near the Farragut West metro station in Washington, where passersby are paying tribute to the service members who fell victim to the attack.
While the administration has not released details, the proposal signals its intent to impose sweeping immigration restrictions following the attack. The legal path forward remains uncertain.
