🗽 The Statue of Liberty’s iconic plea—"Give me your tired, your poor…"—feels increasingly distant under the Trump administration’s latest move. This week, the U.S. State Department announced a sweeping suspension of immigration visas for residents of 75 countries, set to take effect January 21. Critics call it a direct attack on America’s founding ideals.
🔍 Why it matters: This policy expands existing bans affecting 40 nations, many from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The White House claims it aims to prevent strain on public resources, but opponents argue it echoes Trump’s controversial 2017 "shithole countries" rhetoric. "This isn’t security—it’s prejudice," tweeted one immigration advocate.
🌎 Global reaction: Protests erupted in cities from Lagos to Jakarta, while U.S. allies express concern. The policy also impacts tech sectors reliant on overseas talent, with Silicon Valley leaders warning of "brain drain."
📜 Pattern of disruption: Since his 2020 reelection, Trump has dismantled decades-old policies, from climate agreements to trade deals. This latest move aligns with his "America First" playbook—but at what cost to the nation’s global reputation?
💬 Youth perspective: Gen Z activists are mobilizing TikTok campaigns (#LetThemBreathe) to highlight families separated by the bans. "We’re watching history repeat itself," said a 22-year-old organizer in New York.
Editor’s note: Anthony Moretti, a CGTN commentator, contributed analysis. Views expressed are his own.
