In a revelation that has sparked widespread controversy, former President Donald Trump expressed a clear preference for white immigrants from European nations during private discussions about US refugee policy, according to recent reports.
Private Preferences Revealed
During his presidency, Trump allegedly told senior aides he wanted the United States to accept more immigrants from countries like Denmark, Switzerland, and Norway – nations with predominantly white populations. This preference emerged during discussions about setting annual refugee admission caps, where the former president reportedly questioned why the US needed to accept refugees from diverse regions across Africa and Asia.
Controversial Comments in Context
The revelations come from Jonathan Karl's new book "Betrayal: The Final Act of the Trump Show," which details several instances where Trump's private comments about immigration appeared to prioritise racial demographics. In one particularly striking exchange, Trump reportedly complained about refugees from Haiti, asking why the US couldn't instead receive more immigrants from Norway.
Historical Precedents
This isn't the first time Trump has expressed admiration for Norwegian immigration. During a 2018 meeting at the White House, he reportedly asked why the US couldn't have more immigrants from countries like Norway rather than what he described as "shithole countries" from Africa and Central America.
Policy Implications
The reported comments raise serious questions about whether racial preferences influenced official immigration policy decisions during Trump's administration. Refugee advocates and human rights organisations have expressed alarm, suggesting such preferences would fundamentally undermine the principle of non-discrimination in US immigration law.
Broader Immigration Agenda
Trump's presidency was marked by some of the most restrictive immigration policies in recent US history, including:
- Dramatically reduced refugee admission caps
- The controversial "Muslim ban" targeting several majority-Muslim countries
- Increased restrictions on asylum seekers
- Enhanced border enforcement and wall construction
Political Fallout
These latest revelations are likely to reignite debates about the role of racial considerations in immigration policy. Critics argue that prioritising immigrants based on race or national origin contradicts America's founding principles and international human rights standards.
The controversy also highlights ongoing divisions in American politics regarding immigration reform, with the Biden administration having reversed many of Trump's policies while facing its own challenges at the southern border.
