Marco Rubio Criticizes Open Immigration Policy and Questions Family Reunification Priority

On Tuesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the idea of accepting all migrants wishing to live in the United States as "ridiculous." Speaking before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio hinted that the current emphasis on family reunification might need reevaluation.

"Our immigration policy should be grounded in the national interest of the United States, period. End of story," Rubio asserted emphatically in response to a subsequent question. He further suggested that if there were a subset of individuals "easier to verify" and "better understood," they might be given some preference.

"There are countless heart-wrenching stories worldwide. Millions of people across the globe. It's moving. But we can't accommodate millions globally. No nation can," he declared firmly.

Redefining Immigration Priorities

The Republican official stressed the importance of establishing a clear selection process for determining who should be admitted and prioritized.

"Unfortunately, under our current laws, the system is chiefly based on family ties rather than what each individual can contribute to society from a merit-based perspective. That needs to change. But changing that will require statutory amendments," he noted.

Rubio emphasized the "absurdity" of assuming that anyone has an automatic right to migrate to the United States. "It's absurd. No country... no country operates an immigration policy like that," concluded the Cuban-American politician, whose parents emigrated from Cuba to the United States in 1956.

Foreign Policy Vision: "America is Back"

Rubio defended the current administration's foreign policy as a restoration of American leadership. "Today, America is back," reads the opening of his written statement on the State Department's website.

He highlighted several measures to bolster national security and protect U.S. interests:

• Strengthening regional alliances with Mexico, El Salvador, and others to curb illegal migration and combat criminal organizations like MS-13.
• Reviewing visas and immigration status for individuals deemed security threats.
• Engaging in decisive diplomatic actions to resolve conflicts, including a peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Rubio also reiterated a commitment to nationalist trade policy. "We are restructuring America's trade relationships globally through tariffs that foster growth to balance trade and increase revenues," he stated, referencing the controversial tariffs imposed by the previous administration.

Addressing China and Reforming the State Department

A cornerstone of Rubio's address was the tougher stance on China, condemning its unfair practices and fentanyl trafficking. He also outlined a reorganization of the State Department:

• Launching the $2.9 billion America First Opportunity Fund (A1OF) to swiftly respond to global crises and advance strategic goals.
• Eliminating "ideologically driven" programs and reforming the department to focus resources on specific diplomatic interests.

Rubio concluded with a scathing critique of the State Department's previous administration. "A Department of State where everything took too long, cost too much, involved too many people, and failed the American people," he remarked.

Under Rubio's leadership, the department will have "clear responsibilities and chains of command," showcasing his dedication to effective diplomacy aligned with national interests.