Hillary Clinton Shifts Stance on Migration, Calls for 'Humane' Fixes

Former Secretary of State says migration 'went too far' and needs to be addressed with secure borders

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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During a panel at the Munich Security Conference, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton appeared to take a stronger stance on border security, stating that migration 'went too far' and 'needs to be fixed in a humane way with secure borders.' Clinton acknowledged the need for debate on migration issues, which she said have been 'disruptive and destabilizing.' However, she opposed large-scale border wall expansion during her 2016 presidential campaign and supported Obama-era policies that deferred immigration enforcement against some undocumented immigrants.

Why it matters

Clinton's comments mark a shift from her previous positions on immigration, which were more aligned with liberal policies that sought to limit deportations and detention of undocumented immigrants. Her remarks at the Munich conference suggest a recognition of the political and social challenges posed by high levels of migration, while still calling for a 'humane' approach.

The details

During the panel discussion in Germany, Clinton said there is a 'legitimate reason to have a debate about things like migration,' and that it 'went too far, it's been disruptive and destabilizing, and it needs to be fixed in a humane way with secure borders.' She acknowledged that there are places where a physical barrier is appropriate, a departure from her 2016 campaign stance opposing large-scale border wall expansion. However, Clinton still opposed the Trump administration's more aggressive deportation policies, which she had criticized in the past.

  • Clinton made these comments during a panel at the Munich Security Conference on February 15, 2026.
  • In 2018, Clinton criticized the Trump administration's family separation policy, writing on X: 'It is now the official policy of the US government — a nation of immigrants — to separate children from their families. That is an absolute disgrace. #FamiliesBelongTogether.'

The players

Hillary Clinton

Former U.S. Secretary of State and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee who has shifted her stance on migration, now calling for 'humane' fixes with secure borders.

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What they’re saying

“There is a legitimate reason to have a debate about things like migration. 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 and kill people and how we're going to have a strong family structure because it is at the base of civilization.”

— Hillary Clinton (1010wcsi.com)

The takeaway

Clinton's shift in rhetoric on migration policy reflects a recognition of the political and social complexities surrounding the issue, while still maintaining a call for a 'humane' approach. This marks a departure from her previous stances that were more aligned with liberal immigration policies, suggesting a nuanced understanding of the challenges facing policymakers on this divisive topic.