The United States announced on May 11 that it did not participate in the International Migration Review Forum and will not support the forum's May 8 “progress” declaration.
This decision highlights ongoing U.S. objections to United Nations initiatives related to migration. The U.S. government said it has consistently opposed efforts by the United Nations to promote and facilitate replacement immigration in both the United States and Western countries.
The press release referenced President Trump's rejection of the Global Compact on Migration in 2017, stating, “The intervening years have confirmed the wisdom of that opposition.” Secretary Rubio was quoted as saying, “opening our doors to mass migration was a grave mistake that threatens the cohesion of our societies and the future of our peoples.”
According to officials, recent experiences in American communities were cited as evidence for this stance: “Americans witnessed first-hand how mass immigration laid waste to our communities: crime and chaos at the border, states of emergency in major cities, and billions of taxpayer dollars funneled towards hotels, plane tickets, cell phones and cash cards for migrants.” The statement added that much of this activity was driven by UN agencies and their partners.
The press release further stated: “There was nothing ‘safe,’ ‘orderly,’ or ‘regular’ about any of this. And the costs were borne primarily by working Americans forced to compete for scarce jobs, housing, and social services. The UN has little to say about them.”
Looking ahead, officials said President Trump remains focused on prioritizing American interests over those of foreigners or international organizations. “The United States will not support a process that imposes... guidelines, standards, or commitments that constrain the American people’s sovereign, democratic right,” according to the statement. It concluded with a summary of policy direction: “Our goal is not to ‘manage’ migration but to foster remigration.”
