During an extended Cabinet session on Tuesday, President Donald Trump voiced strong opposition to Somali immigration into the United States, characterizing individuals from the conflict-torn East African nation as excessive beneficiaries of American welfare systems with minimal societal contributions.
The President’s statements emerged shortly after his administration declared a temporary suspension of all asylum adjudications. This policy shift followed a shooting incident in Washington that injured two National Guard soldiers. Although the primary suspect in the attack was reportedly of Afghan origin, Trump expanded his critique to include immigrant populations from multiple nations, with particular emphasis on Somalia.
“Their contribution levels are virtually nonexistent,” Trump asserted during the meeting. “Welfare dependency approaches 88 percent or similar figures. They contribute nothing. We have no desire for their presence in our nation.” The President further commented on Somalia’s national conditions, stating “Their country’s troubled status exists for identifiable reasons. Your nation’s condition is unsatisfactory, and consequently we decline to accept them here.”
The remarks represent the latest development in the administration’s ongoing examination of immigration protocols and refugee acceptance criteria. Political analysts suggest these comments may signal forthcoming policy adjustments regarding immigration from specific African and Middle Eastern regions, though no official announcements have been made regarding substantive policy changes.