The Trump administration will indefinitely suspend processing of immigrant visas for people from 75 countries who are planning to go to the United States, starting on January 21. This includes Brazil, Iran, Russia, Somalia, Thailand, Pakistan, and others. Non-immigrant visas, including student and travel visas, are not affected, so those going to the US to watch the World Cup are likely to have no problem. This is the latest measure by the Trump administration to restrict legal immigration channels. A State Department spokesperson said the move aims to limit applicants who are considered "public burdens" (those who rely on government benefits to meet basic living needs), and to stop "those who attempt to exploit the American immigration system to take wealth from the American people." In recent months, the U.S. State Department has continuously increased its efforts to restrict immigration, especially targeting countries that Trump believes pose a threat to national security. Although the Trump administration claims these decisions are made in the interest of public welfare, it is hard not to suspect that the real purpose is to close the immigration channels for countries predominantly with brown and black populations.
A report released by the Brookings Institution on Tuesday indicated that due to the Trump administration's immigration crackdown policies, the United States experienced a negative net migration for the first time in at least half a century in 2025, with an estimated number of people leaving ranging from 10,000 to 295,000. Although the government has taken active deportation actions, the number of deportations is estimated to be between 310,000 and 315,000 in 2025, but the main reason for the negative net migration was a significant decrease in the number of people entering the United States. Despite high policy uncertainty, there is also a high possibility that negative net migration will continue in 2026.
On Wednesday morning, Democratic Congresswoman Robin Kelly from Illinois formally introduced articles of impeachment against Secretary of Homeland Security Mayorkas, accusing her of obstructing congressional oversight and violating public trust during large-scale immigration enforcement operations. In Minnesota, tensions between protesters and federal agents continue to escalate, with ongoing conflicts and demonstrations. From Los Angeles to Minneapolis, the Trump administration's large-scale deportation operations and aggressive enforcement strategies have triggered a wave of counter-mobilization led by large liberal advocacy groups and local community networks. Tom Homan, the border affairs chief, stated on Wednesday: "We are doing the right thing. Let them protest if they want."
According to the latest CNN/SSRS poll, 51% of Americans believe that the actions of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have made cities less safe rather than safer; only 31% of Americans believe cities are safer. Over half of respondents believe that the fatal shooting that occurred recently in Minneapolis was an inappropriate use of force, reflecting broader issues within ICE; only 26% of people think the shooting was an appropriate use of force by law enforcement.
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Original article: toutiao.com/article/1854384835665051/
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