Trump Talks Tough On Europe's Immigration Policy: But Is the US Border System Any Better?

During his recent visit to Scotland, US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to European leaders, urging them to “get their act together” on immigration or risk losing the very fabric of Europe. Labeling the migrant influx a “horrible invasion,” Trump cautioned that the crisis threatens the continent's cultural and national integrity.

But this warning came as the US itself is grappling with a historic immigration crackdown, led by Trump since his return to office in January 2025. With deportations surging and border militarization underway, the contrast between America’s enforcement-first approach and Europe’s evolving strategies has never been more telling.

Here’s a comparison of Europe and US' latest immigration landscapes:

Europe's Immigration Policy

While Trump’s rhetoric paints Europe as too lenient, the continent has also tightened immigration controls in recent years, especially following the 2022–2023 surges. However, the scale and method differ greatly from the US crackdown.Migrants queue in a waiting area, Germany. (Image Source: Reuters) 

Migration Trends:

1. As per eurostat ( official website of the European Union), 2023 saw 4.3 million non-EU immigrants enter Europe, a decline of 18 per cent from 2022.

2. Irregular border crossings dropped by 20 percent in the first half of 2025 (approx. 75,900 entries), largely due to stricter border checks and third-country processing agreements, according to an ET article.  

Policy And Enforcement:

1. 123,905 migrants were ordered to leave the EU in Q1 2025, with 28,475 actual returns. Of these, 53.3 per cent were voluntary, indicating a preference for assisted repatriation over forced deportations, as per eurostat. 

2. The EU continues to fund external border agencies and negotiate deals with transit countries like Tunisia, Turkey, and Morocco to stem inflows.

ALSO READ: 'You're Not Going To Have Europe Anymore': Trump’s Harsh Warning On Immigration

Trump’s Immigration Crackdown In US

Since returning to office, Trump has pushed the toughest immigration agenda in modern US history, prioritizing mass deportations, border militarization, and legal restrictions.

Law enforcement officers clash with demonstrators in US (Image Source: Reuters) 

Key Policy Highlights:

1. Executive Order 14159 (January 2025): Expanded ICE powers, cut funds to sanctuary cities, fast-tracked removals.

2. Proclamation 10949 (June 2025): Banned entry from 12 nations over security concerns.

3. Mass Deportation Campaign: Target of 1 million deportations in 2025, with daily ICE arrest quotas of 3,000, as mentioned in The Guardian. 

4. New Detention Mega-Centers: Facilities like “Alligator Alcatraz” in Florida and a 5,000-bed center in Texas have been built (as per NY Times). 

5. Military on Border: 7,600 US troops deployed to the southern border, conducting arrests and surveillance—prompting legal concerns over military involvement in domestic law enforcement, according to The Guardian. 

Legal And Humanitarian Concerns:

1. 49% of deportees lack legal representation; defunding of legal aid programs (as per axio.com). 

2. Deportations to third countries possible with just 6 hours' notice, including for asylum seekers from Cuba, Sudan, and Myanmar.

3. Protests and lawsuits have emerged nationwide, challenging the human rights implications of these measures.

Economic And Social Impact:

1. Potential GDP loss of up to 0.4 per cent in 2025 due to labor shortages in agriculture, construction, and healthcare, according to Fortune Magazine. 

2. As per a June 2025 Gallup poll9 per cent of Americans now view immigration as a net positive, even as support for border enforcement remains strong (56 per cent back expansion of the US–Mexico wall).

ALSO READ: Need To Carry ID Proof 24/7? What Green Card Holders Should Know Amid Trump's Immigration Crackdown

Several EU nations have adopted stricter national asylum rules in line with a broader EU asylum reform passed in 2024. Far-right parties have gained ground across Europe, putting pressure on centrist governments to act tougher on immigration—but human rights laws and EU judicial oversight still provide checks on enforcement. While the US is pursuing an aggressive, enforcement-first approach, Europe is tightening policies, but remains cautious—focusing on returns, regional partnerships, and judicial oversight.