President Donald Trump has reiterated that his goal extends beyond just halting the influx of new migrants; he aims to expel those already residing in the United States, including legal residents and individuals with pending processes.
In a candid exchange with reporters aboard Air Force One, as released by the White House, Trump openly detailed his interpretation of "reverse migration."
When a journalist inquired:
— What do you mean by reverse migration?
— “It means removing people from our country. Getting them out. I want them out. We have a lot of people here who shouldn't be, and they came in because of Biden,” Trump replied.
These remarks come amid an unprecedented tightening of immigration policy, involving extensive reviews of green cards for citizens from 19 countries, including Cuba and Venezuela, a complete halt on asylum decisions, and threats to denaturalize immigrants who, according to Trump, "are not assets to the United States."
Trump also justified the indefinite pause on asylum decisions following an attack in Washington D.C., where an Afghan national shot two members of the National Guard.
When asked how long the suspension would last, he responded:
— “A long time. We don’t want those people. We already have enough problems. We don't want them here.”
Upon further questioning about "those people," Trump referred to individuals from "unfriendly or out-of-control" countries, citing Somalia as an example. He also criticized Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, suggesting she should be expelled from the country.
Green Cards, Asylum, and Citizenship Under Scrutiny
The president was questioned about his intention to revoke citizenship from naturalized individuals who, in his view, "undermine national tranquility."
— Do you plan to denaturalize immigrants?, came the inquiry.
— “If I have the authority to do so, I will. Absolutely,” the president affirmed.
Trump has consistently argued that only a policy of "reverse migration" can, in his words, "fix" the nation's immigration challenges. Aboard Air Force One, he made it clear that his priority is not merely to close the door, but to empty the house.
Understanding Trump's "Reverse Migration" Policy
What does Trump mean by "reverse migration"?
Trump's concept of "reverse migration" involves the removal of individuals from the United States who, in his view, should not be present in the country, including those who entered during Biden's administration.
How has Trump's immigration policy changed recently?
Trump's immigration policy has seen an unprecedented tightening, with a massive review of green cards for citizens from 19 countries, a complete halt on asylum decisions, and threats to denaturalize certain immigrants.