Trump cuts legal immigration more than illegal crossings; students, H-1B flows hit, reports Cato’s study The U.S. administration under President Donald Trump has significantly reduced legal immigration, with the decline far outpacing the drop in illegal border crossings. A recent analysis by David J. Bier of the Cato Institute highlights that while illegal entries have continued their downward trend, legal immigration—particularly through student visas and high-skilled worker programs like the H-1B visa—has experienced a sharp, policy-driven contraction. Bier estimates that reductions in legal immigration flows are approximately 2.5 times greater than the decline in illegal crossings on a monthly basis. Illegal border crossings had already declined steadily before Trump took office, with much of the reduction occurring prior to his administration. In contrast, legal immigration has seen a reversal of the growth trajectory observed between 2021 and 2024. The Trump administration’s policies have targeted legal immigration channels, leading to stricter scrutiny, increased costs, and regulatory hurdles that have disrupted traditional pathways for international students and skilled professionals. International students, a critical component of U.S. higher education and a major draw for applicants from countries like India, face mounting barriers. Bier notes that heightened visa scrutiny, uncertainty around post-study work options, and delays in processing have discouraged enrollment. In January 2025, Trump signed an executive order that led to the cancellation of F-1 student visas, resulting in the revocation of between 1,700 and 4,500 visas between January and April. Several students were also arrested and detained for campus activism.#donald_trump #state_department #cato_institute #david_j_bier #harvard_university
Kristi Noem’s Alleged Lover Corey Lewandowski Fired in Middle of Exotic Getaway Corey Lewandowski, a former Trump campaign adviser and close associate of former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, was abruptly removed from his position as a special government employee after being photographed on a tropical trip with Noem in Guyana. The incident, which occurred during a five-country tour, reportedly led to his ousting from the Trump administration. White House officials and three sources close to the administration confirmed the decision to the New York Post, which is favored by Donald Trump. The pair was spotted in Guyana, where temperatures ranged from 75°F to 83°F, during a stop that marked the fourth leg of Noem’s travel itinerary. Noem, now serving as the Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas—a role created by Trump after she was replaced at DHS—was reportedly using a leased luxury Boeing 737 with private accommodations. The trip, which included meetings with Guyanese government officials, was not officially sanctioned by the State Department, according to officials briefed by CBS News. U.S. Embassy officials in Guyana had announced the meeting, but State Department officials suggested Noem had orchestrated the trip independently. Lewandowski, who served as Noem’s de facto chief of staff, was seated alongside her during the meeting with Guyanese leaders. The event appeared to be the first public appearance for Noem in her new role, though it raised questions about her ability to operate under the radar of her new superiors. U.S. and State officials confirmed that Lewandowski is no longer employed by the State Department and will not be in the future. The circumstances of his departure remain unclear.#kristi_noem #state_department #corey_lewandowski #new_york_post #daniel_noboa
State Department Issues Global Travel Warning Amid Escalating Tensions The U.S. Department of State issued a security alert on Sunday, urging Americans worldwide to exercise increased caution as the country enters its fourth week of President Donald Trump’s conflict with Iran. The advisory emphasizes heightened risks for travelers, particularly in the Middle East, where groups linked to Iran may target U.S. interests. The warning comes amid escalating tensions following Trump’s demand for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, or face potential strikes on its energy infrastructure. Iranian officials responded by threatening to close the Strait entirely if their facilities are attacked. The alert highlights the potential for periodic airspace closures, which could disrupt travel plans, and urges Americans to follow guidance from their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The State Department’s statement underscores the vulnerability of diplomatic facilities and locations associated with the United States, warning that attacks could occur anywhere, including parks and tourist sites. The advisory follows remarks by Iranian military spokesman Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi, who declared that “parks, recreational areas, and tourist destinations anywhere in the world will no longer be safe” for enemies of Tehran. TV Star Allegedly Involved in Neighborhood Altercation Actor Alan Ritchson, known for his role in the TV series The 100, reportedly found himself in a physical altercation with his neighbor. The incident, which occurred in an unspecified location, has sparked public interest and speculation about the nature of the conflict. While details remain unclear, the event has been described as a “scuffle” that escalated quickly.#iran #donald_trump #strait_of_hormuz #state_department #gen_abolfazl_shekarchi
Evacuation Flights Begin for Travelers Stranded in Middle East Efforts to evacuate hundreds of thousands of Westerners trapped by ongoing conflict in the Middle East intensified on Wednesday, with additional flights scheduled to depart for Europe and the United States pledging to transport American citizens home. European nations, including France, Spain, and the United Kingdom, coordinated limited evacuation flights for their nationals, while commercial airlines resumed operations at key regional airports. The U.S. government announced plans to charter free flights for Americans in the region who had registered with the State Department, a move highlighted by President Trump in a Truth Social post. However, the State Department had previously urged Americans to leave the area without specifying assistance measures, leaving stranded individuals uncertain about their options. The department later stated it was facilitating charter flights from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan for American citizens, with plans to secure additional capacity as security conditions improved. Over 9,000 Americans had already been evacuated from the Middle East in recent days, according to the department, which also reported assisting nearly 3,000 individuals who had sought help. The agency confirmed it would support booking commercially available flights in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, and Egypt. The evacuation efforts reflect the growing urgency to relocate citizens amid escalating violence, with governments and airlines working to ensure safe passage for those unable to leave through regular travel routes.#united_states #middle_east #president_trump #evacuation_flights #state_department
