{
  "id": 12404356,
  "title": "Trump’s anti-Muslim immigration policies weaken America’s Middle East bargain",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/trumps-anti-muslim-immigration-policies-weaken-americas-middle-east-12404356",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-06T14:15:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comment/2026/10/07/middle-east-us-america-israel-arab-muslim-immigration-donald-trump/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On September 30, the White House X account shared data from the libertarian Cato Institute, revealing a 96% reduction in legal immigration from majority-Muslim nations following the presidency of Donald Trump. This data encompassed nineteen countries, including Arab nations, Middle Eastern states, and East African members of the Arab League, such as Somalia, Sudan, and Djibouti. The administration apparently deemed this reduction as evidence of their success, targeting Muslims legally entering the US rather than all travelers. This stance highlights Trump's continued sentiment that Muslims are legitimate and popular targets, reflecting his brand of ethno-nationalism during a time of high polarisation in the American public on the issue of Muslims and immigration. A recent Pew Research Center poll found that 43% of US adults believe Muslims are less patriotic than other Americans, with only 4% believing they are more patriotic. Similarly, 42% thought Muslim Americans negatively impact the country, compared to 17% who see them positively. In response, Cato Institute researcher David Biers criticised the White House, stating that immigrants from majority-Muslim countries are highly educated, work in skilled occupations, and have saved the US economy $1.1 trillion over the past three decades. This controversy prompts questions about the durability and strength of the US-led geopolitical order in the Middle East. While American interests and perceived social compatibility often link immigration and security policies, they do not necessarily have to. This was evident in the NATO alliance, which endured due to shared values among Western European states. In the Middle East, however, there has never been a similar shared value system. Apart from Israel, few American leaders have identified with the region's values or states, unlike their moral community in Europe. As such, US security ties with Middle Eastern nations have always been transactional, with little foundation when either side fails to meet its obligations. Currently, with the US security umbrella weakened in its conflict with Iran, some countries in the region are seeking new security pathways, like the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. Even when pragmatic ties fail to meet expectations, regional publics can maintain allegiance to an alliance through soft power, as seen during Egypt's 1967 war with Israel. Egypt's ongoing regional sympathy showcases the enduring impact of emotional attachment more potent than hard power. In contrast, the insulting rhetoric of some US public figures towards Muslims weakens the belief that Americans care about the well-being of the majority of the region's inhabitants, as evident in the US actions in Gaza. This disdain, along with the lack of practical benefits for Arab societies and the perception of disdain, makes it unlikely for the US-led Pax Americana in the Middle East to endure.",
  "summary": "On September 30, the official White House rapid response account on X reproduced research from the libertarian Cato Institute showing that legal immigration from majority-Muslim nations was cut by 96 per cent after US President Donald Trump took office. Nineteen of the countries included Arab countries, countries in the broader Middle East and North Africa, and Arab League member states in East…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "Trump’s anti-Muslim immigration policies weaken America’s Middle East bargain",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/trumps-anti-muslim-immigration-policies-weaken-americas-middle-east",
        "published": "2026-10-06T14:15:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Toronto Sun",
        "title": "Canadian coach Jesse Marsch sounds off on Trump and why ‘everyone hates America’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/canadian-coach-jesse-marsch-sounds-off-on-trump-and-why-everyone",
        "published": "2026-10-06T14:56:34.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}