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‘If you import people…’: Trump says immigration can make US a ‘third world country’

Reiterating his immigration stance, Trump criticised a court decision on H-1B visa fees and federal judges, calling their actions detrimental to the country.

Updated on: Jun 16, 2026, 08:20:23 IST
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US President Donald Trump has once again sharpened his rhetoric on immigration, arguing that large-scale migration from developing nations could fundamentally alter the future of the United States.

After Iran-US peace deal, Donald Trump says oil-laden ships are exiting the Strait of Hormuz. (AFP)
After Iran-US peace deal, Donald Trump says oil-laden ships are exiting the Strait of Hormuz. (AFP)

In a post on Truth Social on Monday, Trump linked immigration to his long-standing political slogan, reinforcing the issue as a key part of his agenda.

Also read | Trump admin revokes hundreds of visas over ‘birth tourism’ scheme; details inside

He wrote, “Sadly, if you import people from Third World Countries, you quickly become a Third World Country-- And there's not a thing you can do about it. Make America Great Again!”

Trump's post on Truth Social.

The message “Make America Great Again,” defined Trump's political movement for years, featured prominently in the message, highlighting his continued focus on immigration and national identity.

Comes after criticism of court ruling on H-1B visa fee

Also read | Did White House seriously consider to suspend it? All we know amid Insurrection Act debate

The court ruled that the proposed financial levy amounted to an unlawful tax that did not have proper authorisation from the US Congress.

Speaking to reporters while departing New York after attending the NBA Finals match between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs, Trump expressed frustration over the ruling.

He said, "These federal judges are really giving us a hard time. It's really crazy what's going on with the court system... They're hurting our country very badly."

Court ruling dealt a blow to administration's approach

The judicial decision represented a significant setback for the Trump administration's broader strategy of tightening employment-based immigration pathways and making it more difficult for US employers to hire international professionals.

Also read | What to know about Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa fee and the legal rebuke that followed

The H-1B visa remains a key component of the American guest-worker immigration system. Under the existing structure, the US government issues 65,000 standard H-1B visas annually, along with an additional 20,000 visas reserved for applicants who have earned advanced graduate degrees from US institutions.

Trump also revisited birthright citizenship debate

Immigration has remained a recurring theme in Trump's public statements. On April 23, he amplified criticism of birthright citizenship by sharing a video of conservative author and radio host Michael Savage.

In the video, Savage claimed that the current legal framework allows immigrants to take advantage of American laws by arriving in the country during the "ninth month of their pregnancy."

He further argued that such practices create a loophole where "a baby here becomes an instant citizen, and then they bring the entire family in from China or India or some other hellhole on the planet."

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shivya Kanojia

Shivya Kanojia is a journalist at Hindustan Times, where she works in the fast-paced digital news ecosystem with a strong sense of editorial judgement and a clear understanding of what makes a story both important and traffic-driven. An alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Shivya brings a thoughtful balance of news value and audience relevance to her work, ensuring stories resonate beyond the immediate headline. Over the course of her three-year journey in the digital news space, Shivya has worked across a wide range of beats, including politics, civic issues, human-interest features and trending news. This diverse exposure has shaped her ability to approach stories with nuance, adaptability and context, whether she is breaking down complex developments or spotlighting everyday narratives that often go unnoticed. She is particularly drawn to human-interest stories, interviews and explainers that offer depth and clarity, aiming to move past surface-level reporting to explore the people, emotions and circumstances behind the news. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Shivya worked with Firstpost and Times Now, where she covered a broad spectrum of topics and honed her skills in digital journalism . Outside the newsroom, Shivya enjoys discovering new cafés, drawn to good coffee, cosy spaces and unhurried conversations. Shopping is another pastime she cherishes, not always out of necessity, but often guided by instinct and the simple joy of stumbling upon unexpected finds. Above all, she treasures time spent with loved ones, finding meaning in shared laughter, simple moments and memories that linger long after.

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