President Donald Trump’s recent derogatory remarks about Somali immigrants, including Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, have sparked significant debate. Trump labeled Somali Americans as “garbage” and stated they “contribute nothing,” calling for many to be sent back to their home countries. He specifically named Omar, using harsh language against her.
Ilhan Omar, a refugee from Somalia, arrived in the U.S. in the 1990s after living in Kenya. Her family’s journey led them to Minneapolis. In 2019, she achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Somali-American elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. She also holds the distinction of being one of the first two Muslim women in Congress, representing Minnesota’s 5th District.
Prior to her federal service, Omar was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives and actively worked on issues concerning immigrant and minority populations. Her legislative agenda in Congress focuses on progressive policies such as a $15 minimum wage, universal healthcare, and immigration reform.
Accusations regarding Omar’s past marriage have resurfaced, with some alleging it was illegal and potentially a sham marriage to a relative, implying fraudulent citizenship. These claims have fueled calls for her denaturalization and deportation, particularly from political opponents. However, official U.S. investigations have not substantiated these allegations, and no legal action has been taken. The FBI and ethics committees found no compelling evidence.
In India, Omar has drawn criticism for her stances on Kashmir. Her visit to Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir in 2022, where she advocated for greater U.S. focus on alleged human rights abuses, was condemned by India. She has also backed resolutions criticizing India’s human rights and religious freedom record.
Under U.S. immigration law, denaturalization and deportation require undeniable proof of fraud during the citizenship process. Since no such evidence has been established against Omar, and investigations have yielded no charges, the calls for her removal are legally unfounded. Moreover, the political and constitutional implications of denaturalizing a current member of Congress make these demands largely speculative.