State Department Press Briefing: Immigration, Middle East Peace, Iran Talks, and Ukraine Aid

Immigration and Border Security

• 🚨 The administration is committed to enforcing laws and securing the border, highlighting actions taken against "criminal illegal aliens."
• 📈 The border is described as being at a "historic low" for illegal crossings due to "historic action across all of government under President Trump."
• 💊 The U.S. is committed to disrupting fentanyl trafficking, sanctioning a faction of the Sinaloa cartel and associated businesses.
• ✈️ Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau will travel to Mexico, El Salvador, and Guatemala to strengthen ties, boost economic growth, and discuss ending illegal immigration.

Middle East Peace Process and Gaza Conflict

• ❓ The State Department declined to comment on remarks questioning the administration's interest in a two-state solution, referring questions to the White House.
• 🕊️ Focus remains on achieving a ceasefire, stopping the "carnage" in Gaza, and dealing with the aftermath of the October 7th attacks.
• 🤝 The U.S. is concerned about any steps that isolate Israel and urges allies to focus on supporting ceasefire negotiations and humanitarian aid.
• 🚢 Efforts are underway to get food and aid into Gaza safely, with concerns about Hamas involvement in aid distribution.

Iran Negotiations and International Relations

• 🗓️ The U.S. hopes and expects new talks with Iran to take place soon, with a final determination to be announced when made.
• ⏳ The determination of when talks fail rests with the President, with negotiations being a dynamic process.
• 🤝 The U.S. welcomes prisoner exchanges and repatriating fallen soldiers between Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing direct party talks.

Global Security and Diplomacy

• 🇵🇰 State Department officials met with a Pakistani parliamentary delegation to discuss counterterrorism cooperation and the India-Pakistan ceasefire.
• 🇺🇸 The U.S. supports a strong and resilient Kurdistan region and urges Baghdad and Erbil to resolve issues through dialogue.
• 🇮🇱 The U.S. finds sanctions against Israeli ministers "extremely unhelpful" and urges focus on Hamas as the "real culprit."
• 🌍 The State Department is aware of budget and salary issues between Baghdad and the Kurdistan region, urging constructive dialogue.

Afghanistan and Visa Processing

• 🛂 Afghan Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) are exempted from suspension of entry to the U.S., with consular processing continuing globally.
• ❓ The State Department is looking into reports of a potential plan to send undocumented immigrants to Guantanamo Bay, noting DHS manages this dynamic.
• 🎓 The State Department is in the process of reopening appointments for student visa applications, emphasizing it's an administrative adjustment.