Trump Criticizes European Leaders on Immigration During Scotland Visit

US President Donald Trump, during his visit to Scotland 🇬🇧 on July 25, 2025, issued a strong warning to European leaders about immigration, calling it an “existential threat” and urging immediate, tougher action. Trump’s statements come as Europe faces new, stricter immigration rules and growing political tension over migration.

Trump arrived in Scotland 🇬🇧 and quickly made headlines by declaring, “Immigration is killing Europe,” and warning, “On immigration, you better get your act together. You’re not going to have Europe anymore.” He described the situation as a “horrible invasion,” echoing language often used by far-right groups. Trump’s remarks highlight the growing divide in Europe over how to handle migration and the pressure on leaders to act.

During his trip, Trump met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Scottish First Minister John Swinney, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Immigration and trade were top topics in these meetings. Trump praised Prime Minister Starmer’s tough approach to illegal Channel crossings, calling it “fantastic.” He pointed to the removal of about 35,000 people from the UK since July 2024 as proof that strict policies work.

Europe is in the middle of big changes to its immigration laws. In May 2025, the European Union 🇪🇺 agreed on a new Migration and Asylum Pact, set to start in 2026. This pact makes it harder for people to apply for asylum and easier for governments to make quick decisions and keep people in border detention. EU countries can now deny asylum applications during times of “mass influx” or if they believe migration is being used as a political tool. The pact also encourages sending migrants back to countries outside the EU, which has raised concerns about possible human rights violations.

Several European countries are pushing for even tougher rules. Austria, Italy 🇮🇹, Denmark, and six other EU states have called for a major overhaul of EU migration laws, especially on family reunification and asylum protections. They argue that current rules put too much strain on their societies and security systems. Italy and other southern European countries have increased deportations and started processing asylum claims in countries like Egypt 🇪🇬 and Mauritania, hoping to reduce the number of arrivals.

The United Kingdom 🇬🇧, under Prime Minister Starmer, has also tightened its immigration rules. New policies include higher English language requirements for visas, longer waiting periods for permanent residency, and more removals of people without legal status. The UK reported removing about 35,000 people since July 2024. These changes are part of a wider trend across Europe, where governments are responding to public pressure and the rise of far-right parties.

Recent data shows that irregular arrivals to the EU in 2024 were at their lowest since 2021. In the United States 🇺🇸, US Border Patrol apprehensions at the southwest border dropped to 6,072 in June 2025, a 93% decrease from June 2024. Despite these drops, political pressure for even fewer arrivals remains high.

Trump’s tough talk on immigration fits with his long-standing views. He supports near-zero tolerance for illegal immigration and often links migration to crime and social instability. He praised European leaders who take hardline stances and urged others to follow their example. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, Trump’s statements reflect a wider push among some leaders to make immigration rules even stricter.

Prime Minister Starmer has made rapid removals and stricter controls a key part of his government’s message. He has publicly highlighted the government’s success in reducing illegal migration, hoping to show voters that the UK is in control of its borders. EU leaders like Ursula von der Leyen are trying to balance demands for tougher rules with international obligations and ongoing trade talks with the United States 🇺🇸.

Far-right parties have gained ground in elections across Europe, pushing mainstream parties to adopt stricter migration policies. Rights groups, however, warn that these new policies increase the risk of arbitrary detention, forced returns, and human rights abuses. They predict a rise in legal challenges as the new rules are put into practice.

For migrants and asylum seekers, these changes mean a higher risk of detention and deportation, more difficult asylum procedures, and a greater chance of being sent to third countries with poor human rights records. For European societies, the new rules bring more political division and social tension. Legal and humanitarian challenges are expected to grow as the new policies take effect.

The UK’s new skilled worker visa rules started on July 22, 2025. Higher English language standards and increased immigration skills charges will be in place by the end of 2025. The government plans to consult on permanent residency changes later in the year. In the EU, the Migration and Asylum Pact will be phased in starting in 2026, with some countries already limiting family reunification and sending asylum seekers to other countries for processing.

Supporters of tougher policies argue that strict controls are needed to keep society safe, reduce crime, and protect national identity. Critics, including rights groups and legal experts, warn that these policies could break international law and cause harm to vulnerable people. They expect more court cases challenging rules that limit asylum rights or make deportations easier.

The current wave of policy tightening follows a decade of migration crises, especially the large arrivals in 2015–2016. The rise of far-right parties in the 2024–2025 European elections has sped up the move toward stricter laws.

Looking ahead, more tightening of migration and asylum rules is likely, especially as the EU’s new pact is put into action in 2026. Ongoing talks between the United States 🇺🇸 and the EU on trade and migration may also shape future policies. Rights groups and legal advocates are preparing for more legal battles and advocacy as the new rules come into force.

For those affected by these changes, it is important to stay informed and seek help if needed. The UK Home Office provides updates and information on immigration policy and visa applications. The European Commission’s Migration and Home Affairs page offers details on EU-wide policy developments. For legal or humanitarian support, groups like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International can help.

For official information on UK immigration rules and updates, visit the UK Home Office.

As Donald Trump’s visit to Scotland 🇬🇧 shows, immigration remains a top issue for leaders and communities across Europe. The coming months will be critical as new rules are put into place and their impact becomes clear for migrants, families, and societies as a whole.