The Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, described this Tuesday as “absurd” the notion that all migrants wishing to live in the United States should be allowed entry.
During a hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio hinted that the priority currently given to the criterion of family reunification should be reevaluated.
“Our immigration policy must be based on the national interest of the United States, period. End of story”, stated the Secretary of State emphatically, in response to a question following his remarks.
He went on to add that if there were a subset of people who are "easier to verify" and "whom we understand better," they could have some type of preference.
“There are many sad stories in the world. Millions of people around the globe. It’s heartbreaking. We cannot take on millions of people worldwide. No country can,” he stated firmly.
The senior Republican official emphasized the need to establish a clear selection process regarding who should be admitted and who should be prioritized.
“Unfortunately, under our current laws, the system is primarily based on family connections, rather than on what each individual can contribute to society from a meritocratic standpoint. That needs to change. But that will require statutory changes,” he added.
For Rubio, "the essential thing" is to accept that it is "absurd" to think that any person has the automatic right to immigrate to the United States.
“It's absurd. No country... no country has an immigration policy like this”, concluded the Cuban-American politician, whose parents emigrated from Cuba to the United States in 1956.
Foreign policy vision: "The United States is back."
Rubio defended the current foreign policy of the government as a restoration of American leadership.
"Today, the United States is back", can be read at the beginning of the statement published on the State Department's website.
The politician highlighted a series of measures adopted to strengthen security and protect the country's interests:
Strengthening regional alliances with Mexico, El Salvador, and other countries to curb illegal migration and confront criminal organizations such as MS-13.
-Review of visas and immigration status for individuals deemed security threats.
Decisive diplomatic actions to resolve conflicts, including a peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Rubio also highlighted the commitment to a nationalist trade policy.
“We are restructuring the United States' trade relationship with the world through tariffs that promote growth to balance trade and increase revenue,” he said, referring to the controversial tariffs imposed by Trump.
Confrontation with China and reform of the State Department
One of the pillars of his intervention was the hardening of the stance toward China, denouncing abusive practices and the trafficking of fentanyl. He also proposed a reorganization of the State Department:
-Introduction of the America First Opportunities Fund (A1OF) of $2.9 billion to respond swiftly to global crises and promote strategic objectives.
-Elimination of "ideologized" programs and reforms to concentrate resources on specific diplomatic interests.
Rubio finally harshly criticized the direction taken by the State Department under the previous administration.
"A State Department where everything took too long, cost too much money, involved too many people, and failed the American people," he concluded.
Marco Rubio asserts that under his leadership, the department will have "clear responsibilities and chains of command," emphasizing his commitment to effective diplomacy aligned with national interests.
Frequently asked questions about Marco Rubio's stance on immigration in the U.S.
Why does Marco Rubio consider it "absurd" to accept all migrants in the U.S.?
Marco Rubio describes it as "absurd" to accept all migrants because, according to him, no country in the world has an immigration policy that allows for the indiscriminate entry of people. Rubio argues that the immigration policy of the United States should prioritize national interests and be more meritocratic.
What does Rubio propose regarding family reunification in U.S. immigration policies?
Marco Rubio suggests reevaluating the priority given to family reunification in U.S. immigration policies. Currently, the immigration system is primarily based on family connections, but Rubio advocates for an approach that considers what each individual can contribute to society from a meritocratic perspective.
What are the pillars of U.S. foreign policy under Marco Rubio's leadership?
The foreign policy of the U.S. under Marco Rubio focuses on security, strength, and prosperity. Rubio emphasizes that every decision in foreign policy must contribute to making the United States safer, stronger, or more prosperous, in line with the "America First" doctrine promoted by the Trump administration.
How does Marco Rubio's stance affect U.S. relations with Latin America?
Marco Rubio maintains a firm stance against authoritarian regimes in Latin America, such as those in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. His approach seeks to increase sanctions and restrictions on these governments, which could strain diplomatic and economic relations with the region.
Filed under:
