This feels more like 9/11

INTERVIEW - MUZAFFAR A. CHISHTI senior fellow, Migration Policy Institute, Washington, DC

- NAMRATA BIJI AHUJA

Muzaffar A. Chishti, known in the immigration world as Muz, is recognised for his lasting impact on immigration policy in the United States. He has testified before Congress multiple times, addressing the shortcomings of the immigration system, including the effects of the racially motivated Immigration Act of 1924. "The current narrative about illegal immigration is based on a fabricated invasion," he tells THE WEEK in an exclusive interview, calling on the leaders of sovereign nations to speak out about the rights of their own citizens. Excerpts:

Q/ It is a watershed year, with the Trump administration implementing one of the most punitive immigration policies in the history of the US.

A/ I tell my colleagues who follow immigration policies that the most important thing is to listen to what President Trump himself says. Some of the words that come out of his mouth are those that are really deep in his consciousness. Since he is convinced that he won this election, and the 2016 election, using immigration as a calling card, you have to take his views on immigration very seriously.

Q/ What is the difference between Trump 1.0 and Trump 2.0?