Savkovic: Suspension of visas for the US is another in a series of political messages to the entire world

Marko Savkovic of the ISAC Fund assessed in an interview for Kosovo Online that the US suspension of immigrant visas for 75 countries, including all from the Western Balkans except Serbia, is another in a series of political messages to the entire world. He emphasized, however, that it is not directly aimed against anyone in the region.

Savkovic noted that this measure, which entered into force yesterday, nevertheless represents a problem for relations between the United States and Pristina.

“What now represents, I would say, the biggest problem for relations between the United States and the authorities in Pristina is the fact that 75 countries have effectively been removed from the list for obtaining immigrant visas. This does not apply to businesspeople or tourists, but it does apply to all those who would like to immigrate to America. It turned out that citizens originating from Kosovo are at greater risk of using the resources that the United States offers, in terms of social assistance and benefits. This does not apply only to Kosovo, there are other countries as well, including societies from the Western Balkans, a total of 75 countries, which is a large number. This is again part of Trump’s agenda in the context that no one is allowed to take advantage of the United States, its goodwill or good intentions,” Savkovic said.

Asked who will be most affected by this decision and whether a political message is being sent to the Western Balkans, Savkovic said that this is another in a series of political messages to the entire world.

“A message is being sent that there is now a different administration that will not allow the wasteful use of the resources it offers. I think it will probably affect many people, but the question is whether it will affect the highly educated. The highly educated still have ways to reach the United States through education and then possibly, based on residence and other factors, gain the opportunity to live in the US, work or do business. That is the question. With this, they are trying to target or stop economic migrants, whom they believe there are already too many of, which is an important part of Trump’s agenda. I do not see this as a specific message to Pristina, this is a general decision of broad scope that has implications for a number of countries. It is not specifically directed against anyone in the Western Balkans. It is a reflection of US domestic policy and the needs of those in power,” Savkovic emphasized.

As he points out, he does not believe that this decision can undermine relations with the United States among the Albanian population.

“There is a long-standing relationship and perception of the United States in Kosovo among the Albanian population that is extremely positive. That should be separated from what Trump is doing. I do not see that leaders can do much about this. They cannot change their economies or improve society to such an extent that people no longer want to emigrate. Perhaps they will change destinations. Perhaps they will no longer want to go to the United States, but will look to other societies, although that is also questionable because the economic situation in the West is not that good,” Savkovic said.