Hillary Clinton admits migration policies went too far and caused destabilizing effects during speech at Munich Security Conference in Germany

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton surprised attendees at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday with remarks acknowledging that migration “went too far” and has had “disruptive and destabilizing” effects on countries with open borders.

Speaking on the panel titled The West Divide: What Remains of Common Values, Clinton emphasized the need for a balanced approach that ensures humane treatment while maintaining secure borders.

“This is a debate we need to have,” Clinton said.

“It went too far, it’s been disruptive and destabilizing, and it needs to be fixed in a humane way, with secure borders that don’t torture or kill people, and with strong family structures at the base of civilization.”

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Criticism of Current Deportation Efforts

Clinton did not hold back in her critique of current enforcement policies, labeling some deportation efforts as “bullying” and “very shameful.”

She argued that attempts to control people’s lives, their families, and their personal freedoms are behind much of the current debate.

“There are places where a physical b

arrier makes sense,” she noted, “but a wall stretching across the border is not necessary.” Her comments signal a more nuanced view than her past statements and mark a notable shift in tone.

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A Sharp Contrast With Previous Statements

Clinton’s stance in Germany differs sharply from her criticism of former President Donald Trump during his first campaign.

In 2018, she condemned his immigration policies as cruel, highlighting the separation of children from their families and the detention of migrants at the border.

She described those actions as “one of the most shameful moments in our history.”

Throughout her 2016 presidential campaign, Clinton was an advocate for comprehensive immigration reform, proposing an Office of Immigrant Affairs in the White House and emphasizing that deportation policies should prioritize criminals and terrorists while protecting law-abiding immigrants.

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Clinton’s 2015 Immigration Platform

Back in 2015, she strongly opposed what she called the anti-immigrant policies of Trump and then-Senator Marco Rubio, warning they could “tear families apart.”

At the National Immigration Integration Conference in Brooklyn, she laid out a plan for a path to citizenship, which included:

• Waiving certain visa fees

• Expanding language programs

• Closing private detention centers

She argued that hardworking immigrants who wish to build a future in the U.S. should have a clear path to citizenship.

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Defending Executive Orders and Protecting DREAMers

Clinton also planned to continue and expand former President Barack Obama’s executive orders on immigration, particularly protections for DREAMers—immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.

She expressed interest in extending legal amnesty to their parents and emphasized doing everything possible under the law to safeguard vulnerable immigrant communities.

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What’s Next?

Clinton’s statements in Germany suggest a more centrist, security-focused approach to migration in future U.S. policy discussions, potentially influencing debates in both political parties.

Observers will be watching whether her nuanced position sparks renewed bipartisan dialogue on immigration reform or stirs criticism from progressive allies who may see her remarks as a retreat from her long-standing advocacy for immigrant rights.

Given the global context of migration challenges, European and American policymakers may look to Clinton’s framing as a model for balancing humanitarian considerations with border security.

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Summary

At the Munich Security Conference, Hillary Clinton admitted that migration policies have “gone too far” and caused destabilizing effects in countries with open borders.

She criticized current deportation practices as “bullying” and called for humane solutions with secure borders.

Her remarks mark a shift from her previous campaign positions, where she strongly opposed harsh deportation policies and advocated for paths to citizenship and protection for DREAMers.

Clinton emphasized the importance of strong family structures, selective physical barriers, and respecting human rights, signaling a more centrist approach to migration issues that could influence future policy debates.