Trump's Claims on European Migration Face Scrutiny Amid Declining Numbers

Thu Oct 16 2025 08:37:17 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

During a recent U.N. General Assembly speech, former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized European leaders for their handling of irregular migration, claiming a crisis reminiscent of war-torn migrations. However, data suggests that irregular border crossings in Europe have actually declined over the past decade.

In a speech at the U.N. General Assembly, Donald Trump asserted that Europe is facing an unprecedented influx of illegal migration. Yet, recent statistics reveal that irregular border crossings to Europe have decreased significantly, contradicting his claims. With asylum applications following a similar downward trend and efforts to manage deportations facing challenges, experts weigh in on the complex dynamics of migration in Europe.

MADRID (AP) — During an address to the U.N. General Assembly, former President Donald Trump harshly criticized European leaders for insufficient measures to tackle irregular migration, claiming the continent is overwhelmed by illegal aliens. However, this rhetoric overlooks the reality that irregular border crossings in Europe have been trending downwards for nearly a decade.

According to the European Union's border control agency Frontex, from January to August of this year, irregular border crossings decreased by about 20% compared to the same period in 2024, with approximately 112,000 individuals attempting to enter the EU versus 140,000 the previous year.

Irregular Migration Numbers Trend Downward

Trump's statement that Europe is in serious trouble is particularly misleading given these statistics. Since 2015, when administrations faced a surge of migrations, EU nations have invested significantly to manage the influx effectively. Asylum applications saw a peak in 2015, reaching 1.2 million, whereas recent applications totaled around 900,000 — a decrease from 2023.

The Challenge of Deportations

Trump reiterated the failures of European governments in dealing with illegal immigrants but failed to mention the significant hurdles faced in deportation processes. EU forecasts estimate over 400,000 undocumented migrants are ordered for deportation annually, yet only about 20% are actually removed.

Geographic differences and varying political climates complicate repatriation efforts within EU states, as emphasized by experts. Chris Borowski, a spokesperson for Frontex, noted that these bureaucratic and logistical challenges hinder efficacy in managing deportations.

Misrepresentations and the Realities of Crime

In addressing crime, Trump referenced statistics regarding prison populations in various European countries, such as claiming nearly 50% of German inmates are foreign nationals. While it is true that immigrants make up a substantial portion of prison populations in several EU countries, the figures were exaggerated; in Germany, about 37% were foreign-born.

As concerns about migration trends continue, it is clear that while the topic remains charged and polarizing, the data closely monitored by authorities tells a different story than the one presented by Trump. The complexities surrounding migration, crime, and asylum continue to be subjects of much debate and scrutiny across Europe.