Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
President Donald Trump sparked controversy on Tuesday during a Cabinet meeting by stating that he does not want Somali immigrants in the United States, suggesting they should return to their homeland and help address its challenges.
Trump characterized Somali residents as overly dependent on U.S. social welfare programs and argued that they contribute little to American society. “They contribute nothing. The welfare is like 88% or something. They contribute nothing. I don’t want them in our country,” he said, adding, “Their country is no good for a reason. Your country stinks and we don’t want them in our country.”
The remarks come days after the administration announced a halt to all asylum decisions following the shooting of two National Guard soldiers in Washington. Although the suspect in that incident is of Afghan origin, Trump used the opportunity to criticize immigrants from other countries, including Somalia.
The comments are likely to draw criticism from human rights advocates and immigrant communities, as well as raise questions about the administration’s immigration policies and rhetoric toward refugee populations.
