Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, May 12: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that allowing large-scale migration into the United States was a “grave mistake” that, in his words, undermines social cohesion and threatens the long-term future of nations.
His remarks came as the administration under President Donald Trump formally rejected a United Nations migration-related declaration and distanced itself from ongoing global discussions on migration governance.
In a statement issued on Monday, the US State Department confirmed that the United States did not participate in the International Migration Review Forum and would not endorse the May 8 “progress” declaration linked to the UN migration framework.
The administration reiterated its longstanding opposition to international efforts aimed at creating global guidelines on migration policy, arguing that such frameworks interfere with domestic sovereignty.
It specifically referred to past decisions, including the 2017 move by the Trump administration to withdraw support for the Global Compact for Migration, saying subsequent developments had only reinforced that position.
The statement accused United Nations-linked mechanisms of contributing to increased migration flows into the US, and cited concerns over border security, strain on public services, and financial burdens on taxpayers.
It further alleged that public resources were being used to support migrants through housing, transport, and other assistance programmes, claiming this placed pressure on American workers competing for jobs and services.
The administration rejected the idea that the current migration system is “safe, orderly, or regular,” arguing instead that it has created systemic challenges within the country.
It also emphasised that US immigration policy must remain under national control, stating that Washington would not accept any international commitments that could constrain its ability to decide border and immigration rules independently.
Reinforcing its stance, the statement said the administration’s focus was on what it termed “remigration,” signalling a stricter approach to immigration enforcement and policy direction.
The International Migration Review Forum operates under the framework of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, a non-binding UN agreement adopted in 2018 to promote cooperation on migration management. However, it has remained controversial, with several governments expressing concern over issues of sovereignty and national control.