Nayib Bukele did not ask migrants to leave the U.S. due to 'the wars started by Donald Trump' - PolitiFact
Key Takeaways
- PolitiFact reports there is no evidence President Nayib Bukele urged migrants to leave the U.S. due to “the wars that Donald Trump has started.”
- The alleged quote circulating on social media is not supported by official statements, interviews, or verified recordings.
- The claim does not change anyone’s legal status; only U.S. agencies and courts can alter immigration rights or obligations.
- Immigrants are advised to rely on official guidance from DHS and USCIS and be wary of misinformation and scams.
What the fact-check found
A viral post alleged that El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele called on migrants to depart the United States because of “the wars that Donald Trump has started.” It has been reported that PolitiFact found no credible source—no official transcript, interview, or speech—to support the statement, concluding the quote is fabricated. The outlet noted that the claim spread widely online without verifiable attribution.
This matters because high-profile misquotes can quickly shape public perception and prompt hasty decisions by migrants who fear sudden legal consequences. In this case, there is no such directive from Bukele, and the alleged rationale—U.S. “wars” tied to a political figure—does not reflect any documented comment from the Salvadoran president.
What this means for immigrants right now
Practically, nothing changes in U.S. immigration law or policy because of this rumor. Only actions by U.S. authorities—such as DHS (Department of Homeland Security), USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services), or immigration courts (EOIR)—affect immigration status, eligibility, or removal risk. For Salvadoran nationals in particular, existing options such as TPS (Temporary Protected Status) and asylum remain governed by current DHS and USCIS guidance and court rulings. Applicants should monitor official agency announcements, keep addresses updated with USCIS, and avoid making legal decisions based on unverified social media posts.
If you are in removal proceedings or have a pending case, consult a qualified immigration attorney or DOJ-accredited representative before taking any action. Scammers frequently exploit viral claims to sell “urgent” services; verify information through government websites (.gov domains) and reputable legal aid organizations.
Source: Original Article