In 2025, immigration dominated political debate across major Western nations as governments adopted tougher border policies. The year opened with US President Donald Trump pushing an aggressive anti-immigration agenda. His administration conducted major ICE raids in cities such as Los Angeles and Chicago, and even on elite college campuses. It also carried out rapid deportation flights and paused the refugee programme under a new executive order. After the shooting near the White House, the travel ban grew from 19 targeted nations to a potential list of 30.
Canada followed with strict visa reductions for visitors and students. Indian applicants were hit hardest, as nearly three-quarters of study-permit requests in August were rejected. Prime Minister Mark Carney proposed the Strong Borders Act to block asylum claims from migrants who have been in Canada for more than a year.
Australia introduced sharp cuts to low-wage temporary migration to ease housing pressure. The government shifted focus to skilled workers and discontinued the Business Innovation and Investment Program.
In the UK, the Keir Starmer government planned the largest immigration overhaul in decades. It aimed to double the time required for settlement, tighten English standards, and shorten post-study visas.
Across Europe, leaders embraced firmer positions on undocumented migration, with Denmark’s zero-refugee policy gaining momentum as a model for the bloc.
