In brief
In a recent Cabinet meeting, President Trump voiced strong opposition to Somali immigrants in the U.S., claiming that they are overly dependent on social welfare programs and contribute nothing to society. This statement comes amid a broader discussion on immigration policy following a shooting involving National Guard soldiers, which the president linked to the presence of immigrants from war-torn countries. His remarks are likely to intensify the ongoing debate about immigration and its impact on American society.
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump made controversial remarks during a lengthy Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, expressing his disapproval of Somali immigrants in the United States. He stated that individuals from this war-ravaged Eastern African country are overly reliant on U.S. social safety nets and offer little in terms of contribution to American society. They contribute nothing. The welfare is like 88% or something. They contribute nothing. I don’t want them in our country, Trump said, while attributing the problems in Somalia to the country itself. His comments reflect a broader concern among some American leaders about immigration from countries experiencing conflict and instability.The president's remarks came on the heels of his administration's decision to suspend all asylum decisions after a shooting incident involving two National Guard soldiers in Washington, which has drawn attention to immigration policies. The alleged shooter is originally from Afghanistan, but Trump has taken this opportunity to question the contributions of immigrants from various nations, including Somalia. Critics of Trump's comments have raised concerns about the potential marginalization of immigrant communities and the oversimplification of complex issues surrounding immigration and national security. On the other hand, supporters argue that addressing welfare dependency is crucial for ensuring the economic stability of the country.