Trump Says Asylum Freeze Could Last ‘A Long Time’ and Considers Revoking Citizenship of Naturalized Criminals

PALM BEACH, Fla. — December 1, 2025 — President Donald Trump said Sunday that the administration’s freeze on asylum processing following a National Guard shooting in Washington, D.C., could continue for an extended period. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump indicated the restrictions might become a longer-term policy rather than a temporary emergency measure.

The president tied the asylum pause to a tougher stance on immigration from 19 countries he described as “crime-ridden.” He also raised the possibility of revoking citizenship from naturalized immigrants convicted of crimes, stating he would “absolutely” do so if he has the legal authority.

“We have enough problems. We don’t want those people,” Trump said, adding that there was no set time limit on the moratorium. He acknowledged uncertainty about his power to strip citizenship but emphasized his willingness to act if permitted. “If I have the power to do it – I’m not sure that I do, but if I do – I would de-naturalize. Absolutely,” he said.

Trump also clarified his use of the term “reverse migration,” explaining it means removing people already inside the United States. “Get people out that are in our country – get them out of here,” he said.

The asylum freeze was implemented after Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, was charged with shooting two West Virginia National Guard members near the White House on Wednesday. U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died from her injuries Thursday, while U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in critical condition. Both were deployed to Washington as part of a federalized crime-fighting mission.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Sunday that Lakanwal may have been radicalized after being granted asylum in the U.S. Trump has invited the families of the Guard members to the White House.

The administration has framed the asylum freeze as an emergency response to the shooting, but Trump’s comments suggest it could be part of a broader crackdown on immigration from certain countries. The president highlighted federal law granting him the power to halt immigration as part of this effort.

The situation remains fluid as officials continue to respond to the shooting and evaluate immigration policies in its aftermath.