Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Western migration policy has “gone too far” and has become “disruptive and destabilizing,” delivering the remarks during a panel at the Munich Security Conference.
Clinton argued the issue requires a reset that combines humane treatment with tighter enforcement, calling for secure borders while rejecting approaches she described as cruel. She said countries should be able to debate immigration policy without intimidation and urged clearer, firmer limits alongside lawful, orderly processes.
In her comments, Clinton contrasted President Donald Trump’s approach with enforcement under past Democratic administrations, saying earlier policies aimed to be more humane while still maintaining border control. She also pointed to Europe’s earlier posture on migration and said the political backlash on the continent showed why governments need clearer policies and messaging.
Her remarks came as migration remains a major flashpoint in U.S. and European politics and a central topic in broader discussions about stability, security, and democratic governance.