Speaking at a rally in Perry, Georgia, on October 24, Trump recalled his earlier criticism of immigration from countries facing conflict and instability, drawing laughter from some audience members.President Donald Trump says US should prioritize migrants from Norway, Sweden over conflict-hit nations. (AP)During the speech, Trump recalled asking Democratic senators why the US continued to accept immigrants from countries he disparaged rather than prioritizing people from Scandinavian nations.âWhy do we always have to take people from shi*house countries? Why can't we take people from like, well, Norway, Sweden?â Trump said.Deep DiveThe comments revive a controversy dating back to January 2018, when Trump reportedly used the same derogatory phrase during a White House meeting on immigration.
His latest remarks come as his administration continues to pursue tighter immigration enforcement and restrictions on entry into the US.Also Read: Kristi Noem accused of creating fake State Department press release after envoy role endedTrump revisits controversial 2018 remarksThe latest comments recall a January 2018 White House meeting during which Trump reportedly questioned why the US accepted immigrants from African countries and Haiti rather than countries such as Norway. The Washington Post first reported the remarks, which prompted criticism from lawmakers and civil rights advocates.
Trump initially denied using the reported language.However, in December 2025, he acknowledged making the remark during a speech in Pennsylvania, recalling his question about why the US accepted immigrants from what he called âshi*hole countriesâ.Also Read: Florida governor Ron DeSantis urges states to stop hiring foreign workers through H-1B visa program at universitiesAccording to FactCheck.org, Trump's account supported the central claim made by Democratic Senator Dick Durbin, who attended the 2018 meeting and publicly described the remarks afterwards.Immigration remains a priority for TrumpTrump's comments come as his administration continues to tighten immigration rules and expand enforcement measures. He has repeatedly criticized immigration from countries including Somalia and Haiti, while arguing that restrictions are necessary to protect national security and American workers.His administration has also pursued policies affecting refugee admissions and the legal status of some immigrant groups.Trump's remarks about Haitians have previously included a claim that migrants in Springfield, Ohio, were eating pets.
Local officials said there was no credible evidence supporting that allegation, as ABC News reported.Asmi is a Senior Content Producer primarily covering stories related to NRIs, immigration, visas, citizenship and global mobility. She closely follows developments that affect Indians living, working and studying abroad, with a particular focus on translating complex policies and international developments into clear, accessible stories for readers.
As part of the US Desk, Asmi also reports on a wide range of political, economic and social developments in the United States, exploring their relevance to Indian and global audiences. Her work spans breaking news, features, trends and explanatory stories, with an emphasis on accuracy, timely reporting and audience-focused storytelling.
Asmi likes finding the human angle behind major developments and bringing context to stories that can often feel complicated or distant. She is especially interested in stories around immigration, life abroad, careers, education and the experiences of the Indian diaspora, while also exploring a wide range of topics that spark curiosity and conversation.
Outside the newsroom, Asmi is an avid reader and loves travelling, discovering new places, experiencing different cultures and collecting stories along the way.Read More