How Malaysians can be a Target to Trump’s Immigration Crackdown, Explains Nazri

How Malaysians can be a Target to Trump’s Immigration Crackdown, Explains Nazri


10 Feb 2025 • 6:00 PM MYT



Kamran
A freelance content creator

Image Credit: Malay Mail


Malaysia’s ambassador to the United States, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, has clarified that the recent immigration enforcement measures under Donald Trump’s administration are not specifically targeting Malaysians. Instead, they are part of a broader effort aimed at cracking down on undocumented migrants across major US cities.


Nazri pointed out that this development was anticipated following Trump’s inauguration last month. “What is happening now should not come as a surprise. The main thing we have to remember is that the crackdown is only for illegal immigrants. Those with proper documents will not be deported,” he stated, as quoted by The Star.


The intensified immigration enforcement has caused unease among migrant communities, with concerns that individuals from various nationalities, including Malaysians, may face deportation. However, Nazri stressed that these actions are not directed at any single group but rather affect undocumented migrants across the board. Central American migrants, for instance, have been among the hardest hit by the new policies.


Earlier reports suggested that around 435 Malaysians had allegedly been issued final deportation orders under the US government’s stricter immigration policies. However, Wisma Putra has since confirmed that Malaysia’s embassy in Washington has not received any official notification from US authorities regarding these claims.


In a statement, the Foreign Ministry acknowledged that while there have been reports of Malaysians potentially facing deportation, no official requests for consular assistance had been made by the affected individuals.


The US government has ramped up immigration enforcement since Trump took office, fulfilling his campaign pledge to tighten border controls and remove undocumented immigrants. Large-scale raids have been conducted in various states, with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers detaining thousands of individuals believed to be residing in the country illegally.


Despite the heightened enforcement, Malaysian officials have reassured that those legally present in the US have no reason to fear deportation.


The situation remains fluid, and Malaysian authorities are keeping a close watch on developments to ensure that their citizens are protected. The embassy in Washington has urged any Malaysians in need of assistance to reach out for support.