Trump Promises Immigration Clampdown Citing Hamas Attacks

On Oct 17, 2023

TL/DR –

Former President Donald Trump announced his intention to reinstate an expanded travel ban on people from predominantly Muslim countries, suspend refugee resettlements, and deport individuals considered to have “jihadist sympathies” if he is re-elected. During his earlier presidency, Trump’s signature policy limited travelers from seven Muslim countries, a ban that President Joe Biden later revoked. Alongside this, Trump proposed “strong ideological screening” of all immigrants to the U.S., and said he would revoke visas from “radical anti-American and antisemitic foreigners” studying at U.S. universities and deport them.

Former President Donald Trump’s Immigration Reforms if Re-elected

On Monday, former President Donald Trump stated his plans to reinstate and expand the travel ban on predominantly Muslim countries, suspend refugee resettlements and aggressively deport those showing “jihadist sympathies” if he returns to power.

At a campaign event in Clive, Iowa, Trump linked his immigration stance to the Hamas attacks in Israel and the potential US threat, leading to a potential overhaul of the US immigration system. These proposals, however, could face legal issues if enacted.

During Trump’s term, his travel ban policy restricted travelers from seven Muslim-majority countries, while also extending to include African countries. This ban was later revoked by President Joe Biden when he assumed office in 2021.

Trump’s proposed measures call for intense ideological screening of all immigrants to the US, aiming to block “dangerous lunatics, haters, bigots and maniacs” from gaining US residency. He further mentioned the potential of banning travel from various nations threatening US security.

According to Trump, his plans involve revoking visas of “radical anti-American and antisemitic foreigners” in US educational institutions and deporting them. He criticised pro-Palestinian protests and proposed deploying Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to “pro-jihadist demonstrations” as a protective measure.

Amid Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel, Republican presidential candidates have expressed consistent support for Israel. Despite Trump’s support for Israel, he faced criticisms for his comments about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. Trump and his team later reaffirmed their alliance with Israel.

On Monday, other Republican presidential candidates voiced their support for revoking student visas and deporting foreign nationals in the US who have affiliations with Hamas. This rhetoric escalates as the Israel-Hamas conflict intensifies.

Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina expressed on “The Sean Hannity Show” that “Anyone who stands up and says they want to kill Jews, they support terrorism, they should have that visa revoked.”

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis endorsed this proposal, stating on “The Guy Benson Show” that visa holders expressing support for Hamas do not have the right to be in the US.

DeSantis responded to a question regarding his support for Republican Sen. Marco Rubio’s request to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to revoke immigrant visas of US recipients endorsing Hamas’ terrorist activity.