In a controversial statement on Friday, November 28, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to freeze immigration from third-world countries, targeting particularly African nations.
Trump's announcement links immigration to a range of social and economic issues, which he argues have negatively impacted the lives of U.S. citizens.
Trump stated that he would soon approve sweeping changes to the U.S. immigration policy, aiming to prevent "unnecessary" travel, particularly from underdeveloped nations, to the United States.
He emphasized the need to pause migration from what he termed "Third World Countries" to allow the U.S. immigration system to recover.
"I will permanently pause migration from all Third World countries to allow the U.S. system to fully recover and terminate all of the millions of Biden admissions," Trump declared.
He added that he would "remove anyone who is not a net asset to the United States" and end federal benefits for noncitizens. His statements sparked significant controversy, with critics accusing him of xenophobia and racial discrimination.
Trump's comments were particularly focused on African nations, which he referred to collectively as “Third-World Countries.” The term "Third World" historically refers to nations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America that are considered underdeveloped or developing.
It remains a highly controversial and dated term, with many arguing that it perpetuates negative stereotypes about these countries.
The former president also singled out Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, both of whom have Somali heritage.
Trump specifically criticized them for allegedly fostering a "Somali gang" presence in Minnesota, a state with a significant Somali immigrant population. He claimed that the influx of refugees from Somalia was contributing to increased crime in the state.
"As an example, hundreds of thousands of refugees from Somalia are completely taking over the once great State of Minnesota. Somali gangs are roving the streets looking for ‘prey,’" Trump stated.
This remark drew heavy backlash, with critics accusing Trump of inflaming racial tensions and perpetuating harmful stereotypes about Somali immigrants and their communities.
While Minnesota has seen an increase in its Somali population over the past few decades, crime statistics do not support Trump's claim of widespread gang activity tied to Somali refugees.
The state's Somali community, which numbers over 80,000, has made significant contributions to Minnesota's economy, particularly in the areas of business, healthcare, and education.
Trump's remarks come at a time when the U.S. is already deeply divided over issues of immigration, racial justice, and the treatment of refugees.
His proposals to restrict immigration from "Third World Countries" and target specific immigrant groups are likely to reignite debates over the country’s immigration policies, with many viewing his comments as a continuation of his hardline stance on immigration.
