A surprise visit to the White House in April by El Salvador’s president Nayib Bukele was a breath of fresh air from south of our border. It was a striking display of alignment between El Salvador and the United States on policies relating to sovereignty and immigration. Their meeting showcased a partnership that reinforces our America First agenda, even helping President Trump to fend off radical activist judges on the federal courts.
Closing the book (for now) on the “Maryland Man” hoax, President Bukele firmly refused to comply with a U.S. federal judge’s order to return a deported Salvadoran national. The individual in question, Kilmar Abrego García, had previously been allowed to remain in the U.S. due to alleged threats from a rival gang in El Salvador. However, Bukele dismissed the notion of facilitating García’s return, questioning the practicality and legality of such an action. He was charming and gracious, but perfectly dismissive of the media’s questions. In fact, he was almost more Trump-like than Trump!
Bukele’s response highlights a mutual understanding between the two leaders: the importance of upholding immigration laws and resisting external pressures that challenge national decisions. His own national success in cleaning up El Salvador has set an incredible new precedent among our South American neighbors. Less than a generation ago, the countries south of our border were fertile ground for the spread of communism. Hugo Chavez rose to become a communist dictator in 1998 in Venezuela and ruined it before succumbing at a young age to cancer.
But no more! President Nayib Bukele not only mirrors Trump’s tough policies, but also emphasizes a cooperation between nations in addressing illegal immigration. By taking responsibility for his country’s citizens and supporting U.S. efforts to curb illegal entry, Bukele sets a new standard for international organization on immigration. American federal judges can continue to opine about a few deported criminals, but citizens of both America and El Salvador are ready and eager for this new leadership that puts the interests of its own citizens, not criminal enterprise, first.
This post originally appeared at https://phyllisschlafly.com/national-sovereignty/el-salvadors-trump-visits-the-white-house/
Phyllis Schlafly