Trump Highlights His Border Policies: ‘Zero Illegal Aliens’ in 13 Months
Former President Donald Trump recently made remarks in Washington, D.C., where he criticized the current administration’s approach to border management. He asserted that there have been “zero illegal aliens” allowed entry into the U.S. in the last 13 months, a striking contrast to the “25 million people” who were admitted during previous years. Trump contended that the ideologies of President Biden are leading to an influx of dangerous individuals, including murderers and drug dealers, emphasizing the severe human toll of such perilous journeys.
In a different context, the political right expressed satisfaction following a post from a White House X account, which shared a graph indicating a significant decline in legal immigration from countries with majority-Muslim populations.
The post pointed to a stunning 96 percent reduction in legal immigration from these nations since 2024, supported by a graph from the Cato Institute, known for its pro-immigration stance. This decline became particularly noticeable starting in January 2025, coinciding with Trump’s inauguration, though there was also a decrease noted in late 2024, at the end of Biden’s term.
The graph revealed that, at its peak, immigration from majority-Muslim countries exceeded 22,000 individuals per month between July and October 2024, but nearly plummeted to zero by January of the current year.
Many on the political right lauded this dramatic change. Rep. Brandon Gill from Texas described it as an “incredible victory for the American people,” referencing Trump as President of the United States. Others, such as Brandon Herrera, the GOP nominee in Texas’ 23rd District, echoed the sentiment, calling for ongoing accomplishments. Meanwhile, Rep. Randy Fine expressed thanks to Trump, saying, “4 percent to go!”
Some individuals even pushed for increased numbers across all immigration categories, with columnist Kurt Schlichter suggesting to “pump up those rookie numbers for every category of immigrant.”
As the 2026 midterm elections approach, opinions diverge on Republican leadership’s effectiveness regarding immigration issues. Some conservatives urged their peers to participate in upcoming elections, mindful of the broader consequences if Democrats regain power. Online reactions varied, with some voters reaffirming their commitment to Republican candidates and warning against the swift reversals of policies that could occur under Democratic leadership.
Yet, not everyone is pleased with the sharp decline in legal immigration from majority-Muslim countries. David J. Bier, director of immigration studies at the Cato Institute, took exception, crediting his own research that underpins the graph shared. He expressed frustration, stating that such policies could violate laws and contribute to a less safe and less prosperous nation.
Despite his concerns, it’s worth noting that no court has declared Trump’s immigration reductions illegal, although some district courts have evaluated challenges to these moves. His administration faced significant opposition to its travel restrictions on Muslim-majority nations; however, the Supreme Court eventually upheld Trump’s policy as lawful in the case of Hawaii vs. Trump.
