SATURDAY, JUNE 14, 2025

logo

US official describes influx of refugees into Europe and US as ‘ticking time

Published on Jun 7, 2025

By Reyivolü Rhakho

Share

logos_telegram
logos_whatsapp-icon
ant-design_message-filled
logos_facebook
  • KOHIMA — The US Mission in Vietnam and India hosted a discussion earlier this week to gain a better understanding of the economics and public policies behind enhanced US border security measures, changes in the country's immigration policy, and the risks of illegal migration.
  •  
  • Michael Hough, an Immigration expert and government advisor and director of Federal Relations for Numbers, USA, led the discussion themed ‘Smart Choices, Safe Futures: Understanding the Risks and Realities of Illegal Migration’. Participants from Vietnam, India and the US joint the event conducted virtually on Wednesday.
  •  
  • Hough pointed out that the illegal immigration issue does not confine to the United States alone but is something that is surfacing especially in Europe. A lot of it has to do with the issue of ‘liberal immigration’ laws, ‘open asylum walls’ and the generous benefits that these “westernised democracies” provides, he added.

  • US official describes influx of refugees into Europe and US as 'ticking time

    Screenshot of Michael Hough taken during the discussion.


  •  
  • Citing instances of refugees from the Middle East, Latin America and elsewhere, who have started entering the Europe and the United States in large numbers, Hough described it as a “ticking time bomb”. He clarified that the purpose of America's immigration system is not an attempt to fix world poverty but to bring people into the country that would better it. 
  •  
  • The country seeks to be selective about who comes, he said, adding that it prefers people that can contribute to the nation’s growth rather than become a burden.
  •  
  • He also noted the legal way of entering into the country and abiding by the laws of the country. Further, he warned of overstaying on a visa, as that would harm and eliminate their chances to come back to the United States in the future.


Also read: Elon Musk hints at forming 'The America Party' amid fallout with US President Trump

  •  
  • Hough further highlighted the achievements of the US President Donald Trump executive orders on immigration. He said that illegal immigration hit a new low in March with Immigration and Custom Enforcements (ICE) agents seeing just 7181 migrants enter the US illegally.
  •  
  • Trump has deported more than 100,000 illegal immigrants since returning to the office on January 20 this year.