Opening Arguments The Federalist Says Trump Should Model Horrifically Racist 1920s Immigration Policies. He Already Is.
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Dec 19, 2025 
Matt Cameron, an immigration attorney, shares crucial insights on recent travel bans and the alarming push from The Federalist for a return to 1920s immigration policies. The conversation explores how these bans exploit arbitrary country selections and the dark history of eugenics tied to past quota systems. They dissect Trump's rhetoric, comparing contemporary policies to fascist ideologies, and highlight the negative impacts on families and naturalization processes. A lighter footnote about a UK trademark dispute adds a fun twist to their serious discussions.
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Legal Authority And Court Deference
- The legal authority cited is INA §212(f), which gives the president power to suspend entry.
- The Supreme Court's rational-basis approach historically enabled broad executive travel restrictions.
Family Exemptions Removed; Immigration Cut Off
- The administration removed family-member exemptions from many bans, blocking spouses, parents, and minors.
- Matt Cameron says this change effectively cuts off immigration and targets family unity for nationals of covered countries.
Monitor Discretionary Guidance For Bias
- Watch for policy alerts instructing USCIS to treat country-specific factors as negative discretionary evidence.
- Matt Cameron advises recognizing how loose guidance can create biased denials based on nationality.