The Trump administration has effectively closed the U.S. to asylum seekers, expanding deportations and establishing agreements with other countries, according to White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Trump administration has taken significant steps to close the United States to asylum seekers, with plans to continue expanding deportations. This announcement was made by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, who outlined the administration’s hardline immigration agenda that could have far-reaching implications for migrants seeking refuge in the U.S.
During a recent press briefing at the White House, Miller stated that the administration has entered into agreements with other nations to accept individuals seeking asylum, rather than allowing them to remain in the United States. He emphasized that the U.S. is effectively closing its doors to asylum seekers.
“I think what’s important is that this administration is implementing international agreements all over the world to take in our asylum seekers,” Miller said. “So, America’s doors are closed fully to asylum seekers. We’ve set up agreements where if you want asylum, then we will find a country elsewhere in the world.”
Miller defended the administration’s broader immigration policy, arguing that ending illegal immigration is the most humanitarian approach. He claimed that this strategy disrupts transnational criminal organizations involved in migrant smuggling, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.
“The most humanitarian thing that we can do is to end illegal immigration, which is what we are doing and have done,” Miller stated.
He also asserted that many asylum applications submitted by migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border lack merit, suggesting that many applicants are economic migrants rather than individuals fleeing persecution.
Miller credited President Donald Trump’s immigration policies with significantly reducing the number of migrant releases at the southern border. “Under President Trump’s leadership, there have been 13 or 14 consecutive months without a single person released across the southern border. It’s never been achieved before,” he claimed.
Regarding deportations, Miller noted that additional funding approved for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), along with administrative changes, would bolster enforcement and removal operations. He mentioned ongoing budgetary reforms at ICE to ensure resources are allocated efficiently toward actual enforcement and removal activities.
“New funding approved through Congress will allow deportation numbers to continue to climb,” he added.
When questioned about Haitians whose temporary legal protections have been impacted by recent legal developments, Miller stated that those who no longer have legal status in the U.S. should be deported. He was also asked whether the administration considers Haiti safe, despite U.S. travel advisories. Miller responded affirmatively, stating, “For Haitians. Absolutely.”
“The fact that there might be pockets of Haiti with higher crime rates… it has never been the case that having communities with high crime rates is a basis for asylum. Never has been, never will be,” he said.
Since returning to office, the Trump administration has tightened border controls, accelerated deportations, and restricted access to several humanitarian immigration programs that were introduced under former President Joe Biden. Many of its immigration measures, including efforts to end automatic birthright citizenship for certain children born in the United States, continue to face ongoing court challenges, according to IANS.