In a radical proposal, Steve Bannon, a former advisor to Donald Trump and a prominent MAGA figure, has demanded a complete shutdown of all immigration into the United States for a full decade. Bannon argues that the current system is fundamentally broken and too corrupt for piecemeal reforms.
A Decade-Long Freeze on All Immigration
Speaking on his popular 'War Room' show, Bannon outlined an extreme solution that goes far beyond tweaking existing programs. He called for a "10-year moratorium, no immigration" across the board. His proposal targets every avenue, including legal immigration, refugee programs, asylum seekers, and amnesty initiatives.
"These immigration and refugee programs and amnesty programs and asylum programs are so corrupt. Now it's in your face," Bannon stated. He emphasized that limited fixes are insufficient, saying, "You can't go through onesies twosies… Not just getting rid of H1B visas, but moratoriums across the board. [A] decade, until we get this mess sorted out."
Targeting Legal Immigration and Foreign Talent
A major focus of Bannon's criticism is the system of legal immigration, particularly the H-1B visa program heavily used by American technology and engineering firms. He has repeatedly labeled the program a tool for large corporations to suppress wages and displace American workers with cheaper foreign labour.
In previous comments, Bannon called the H-1B system "a total and complete scam to destroy the American worker" and accused Silicon Valley companies of importing "indentured servants." His latest remarks reinforce this hardline stance, advocating for its complete elimination as part of the broader moratorium.
Bannon has also taken aim at foreign students studying in the US. Earlier this year, he suggested they should not be allowed to stay after graduation. "I don’t think you should have any foreign students in the country right now. No H-1B visas," he said. He proposed a stark alternative: "Instead of stapling a green card to their diploma, staple an exit visa. You get 30 days… then leave."
Aligning with GOP Hardliners and Justifying the Shutdown
Bannon justified the drastic measure by pointing to alleged widespread fraud and abuse within immigration and refugee systems. He cited high-profile welfare and aid fraud cases, like those uncovered in Minnesota, as evidence that organized networks are exploiting the system at taxpayer expense.
His views resonate with the hardline faction of the Republican Party. Notably, Vice President JD Vance has also criticized tech companies for laying off American workers while simultaneously applying for visas to bring in foreign talent. Bannon's proposal represents the most extreme end of this ideological spectrum, advocating for a full reset rather than reform.
Interestingly, Bannon also claimed that retaining foreign graduates in the US harms their home countries by draining talent. "The countries of the world won’t get better if you’re sucking up every piece of talent," he argued, framing his anti-immigration stance as a form of global equity.
