Thousands of Cubans and Latinos receive various types of aid and benefits from the U.S. federal government or other state agencies. If the Republican president's words are confirmed, they could face deportation if they are deemed a public charge.
Attention has once again focused on US immigration policy following a new message from President Donald Trump. The post, made during the Thanksgiving holiday, generated concern among migrant communities throughout Latin America.
The message spread quickly through social media and sparked a debate about the true scope of the announcement. Thousands of Cubans, Venezuelans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans reacted to the possibility of changes that could affect even those who already have legal status.
A message that points to a new migration trend
Trump released his statement on Truth Social and outlined a tougher stance on who can remain in the country. He avoided technical details in the initial announcement but made clear his intention to transform immigration policy.
Among his most talked-about statements, he asserted that he would suspend the entry of people from “all Third World countries.” He also said that the system must “recupto be completely erased” before allowing new income.
The president again harshly criticized the Joe Biden administration. He accused it of allowing illegal entry and signing authorizations that, according to him, opened the door to millions of migrants.
Deportations and exclusions with stricter criteria
Trump insisted he wants “selective” immigration, based on economic and cultural contributions. He stated he would expel “anyone who is not a net asset to the United States or who is incapable of loving our country.”
But the phrase that generated the most alarm was this:
“I will deport any alien who is a public charge, a security risk, or incompatible with Western civilization.”
The president also announced the withdrawal of social benefits for non-citizens. He added that he would take action against those who "undermine national peace."
Audits, reviewed residences, and a climate of uncertainty
Adding to this climate is the review already initiated by the Citizenship and Immigration Services. USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow confirmed a process affecting citizens of 19 countries considered “high-risk.”cupaction”, including Cuba and Venezuela.
The audit includes asylum applications, humanitarian parole, and family reunification processes. This involves potential delays, suspension of benefits, and even revocation of previously granted residency permits.
At the same time, the Department of Homeland Security reviews older asylum grants to determine whether they meet current security standards.
The use of fear and the association between migration and crime
Trump again linked immigration to crime. He cited the recent murder of a National Guard soldier, allegedly by an Afghan national. He presented this case as an example of failures in the controls implemented during the withdrawal from Afghanistan.
He also asserted that migration is responsible for problems ranging from hospital overcrowding to fiscal deficits. He stated that “a migrant earning $30 with a green card will receive approximately $50 in annual benefits.”
An ideological boundary under the concept of “Western civilization”
His message concluded with a warning that reinforces the idea of cultural exclusion. He maintained that only those who share his vision of the United States will be allowed to remain in the country.
“Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, except those who hate, steal, murder, and destroy everything America stands for! They won't be here for long!”
While civil rights organizations warn of a shift towards more radical nativism, millions of migrants remain attentive to every presidential statement, fearing that upcoming decisions could put their lives at risk in the United States.