The administration of President Donald Trump defended its immigration policy on Monday, stating that "no one has done more" to limit both illegal and legal immigration in the recent history of the United States.
In statements made from the White House, spokesperson Karoline Leavitt emphasized that the government has implemented a series of actions aimed at strengthening border security, restricting migration flows, and ensuring that those who enter the country "contribute to American well-being and culture."
"I would add that the Trump administration has done more to limit migration, both illegal and legal, than any administration in history," Leavitt stated.
The official detailed that the administration issued a travel ban for 19 countries, including Afghanistan, and suspended special immigrant visas that served as a legal entry route to the United States.
He explained that admissions of Afghan refugees were halted following the shooting that occurred last week, and that refugee admissions in general remain "at minimal levels."
Leavitt emphasized that the State Department has increased scrutiny and background checks across all visa categories, and has revoked permits "for those who do not align with national interests."
It was also confirmed that asylum grants are currently on hold while an additional review of the system is conducted.
"The president has made tremendous progress on this front," he added, emphasizing that the southern border remains under control, with a "dramatic reduction" in the influx of illegal foreigners.
The spokesperson also emphasized that having a visa in the United States "is not a right, but a privilege," and that Secretary of State Marco Rubio can revoke that benefit whenever he deems it contrary to national interests.
Leavitt concluded that the priority of the Trump administration is to ensure that future citizens “love the United States, contribute value, and integrate into its culture,” and he reminded that leaders have a duty to “defend and promote the interests of their own people, not of foreigners.”
The White House's statement, asserting that "no one has done more" to curb both legal and illegal immigration than Donald Trump, is part of a series of measures implemented in recent weeks that reflect a radical shift in the United States' immigration policy.
After the attack that took place on American soil, the administration ordered the complete suspension of asylum decisions, leaving thousands of applicants who were already in process in uncertainty.
This measure was accompanied by a broader announcement: Trump stated that he would suspend migration from countries classified as "third world", citing national security reasons.
The immigration policy has also included unprecedented actions such as the proposal to revoke citizenship from naturalized immigrants if it is proven that their process was “tainted” or “contradicted the interests of the country.”
This tightening line has been presented by the administration as a “historic breakthrough” that has achieved, according to its spokespersons, the largest decrease in border crossings in over a decade.
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