Stephen Miller Treating State Department Bureaus as ‘Fiefdoms’ While Redirecting Focus to Immigration | Trump Administration
Stephen Miller’s Influence on U.S. Immigration Policy Under Trump
The evolution of U.S. immigration policy during the Trump administration has been significantly shaped by Stephen Miller, a key advisor whose directive approach has transformed the State Department’s visa and refugee operations into what some diplomats describe as a personal domain.
The “Miller Call”
Every morning at 10 a.m., a select group of conservative diplomats allied with Miller, including those overseeing consular and refugee operations, participate in what has become known as the “Miller call.” This interagency discussion on immigration measures is led by the White House’s homeland security advisor.
During these calls, Miller reportedly presses officials to expedite negotiations with third countries regarding the deportation of individuals who cannot return to their home countries. He has also advocated for the revocation of visas for critics of Israel’s actions in Gaza, reflecting a broader strategy aimed at tightening immigration policies.
A Shift in U.S. Immigration Policy
Miller’s influence exemplifies a concerted effort by the Trump administration to place trusted individuals in key positions, effectively reshaping the State Department into what critics label an “anti-immigration machine.” Since Trump’s inauguration, the U.S. has revoked thousands of visas, implemented full or partial bans on immigrants from 19 countries, and reduced the annual refugee intake to an unprecedented low.
A senior State Department official highlighted the unusual prominence of migration issues within the current administration’s foreign policy framework, asserting that this focus may persist for decades. Historically, immigration has not been a central concern for U.S. diplomacy.
High-Level Involvement
The Miller calls reportedly garner attention from high-ranking officials within the State Department, including Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, who supports tighter immigration policies. Landau’s involvement exemplifies how immigration has emerged as a primary focus for law enforcement and U.S. diplomats under the current administration.
Others involved in these discussions are part of a conservative diplomatic network known as the Ben Franklin Fellowship, which has actively opposed prior diversity initiatives within the State Department.
Criticism and Defense
Miller’s aggressive tactics have attracted substantial criticism, with critics labeling him as a proponent of white supremacy and his policies as “racist and draconian.” In response, a White House official defended Miller, asserting that he operates in alignment with the administration’s broader goals to overhaul immigration policies perceived as ineffective.
Despite the controversy, the administration maintains that it is responding to public opinion demanding stricter immigration controls and combating what it terms the “failed open border policies” of previous administrations.
Impact on Immigration Operations
Insider accounts reveal that Miller has actively sought detailed updates on visa revocations, particularly targeting pro-Palestinian academics. These measures, described in recent litigation against the administration, reflect a broader commitment to aligning immigration practices with the administration’s foreign policy priorities.
The rejection of traditional practices in visa processing—such as immediate interviews and increased scrutiny of social media—heightens concerns regarding the future of civic engagement and legal migration into the U.S.
