As President in waiting, Donald Trump has given a glimpse into his plans for immigration acts among the initial steps he will be taking in his presidential tenure. Importantly, he has shown interest in strategies aimed at handling inquiries on his political opponents and the legal aspects of the January 6 protest. As he marches forward, his principal intention is to showcase the cardinal commitment he made during his campaign, proceeding with substantial deportations of individuals who illegitimately arrived on American soil and banishing birthright citizenship.
While he might be seen as stern on immigration policies, Trump also alluded to his readiness to collaborate with the Democrats in conceiving a safeguard program for young immigrants. His sincerity on such a subject is quite noticeable, with his voice giving off a clear message on the plight of the Dreamers, namely the individuals who arrived in the country at a very young age. He empathized with these Dreamers, who are now middle-aged and barely able to communicate in their homelands’ language.
Trump sensibly uttered, ‘We need to intervene on the Dreamers’ matter as they were brought here at a very tender age, many have reached middle-age now. They are not even conversant with their country’s language.’ Raising hopes of a resolution, he added, ‘Indeed, we will do something about this.’ Trump’s willingness to rope in Democrats in order to formulate a plan was evident in his words.
Notwithstanding the hostilities that usually exist, Trump is willing to cross thresholds and build bridges with Democrats to set things right. He openly admitted, ‘I am ready to work out a plan in association with Democrats. Should we come up with a workable plan, it would be great. But Democrats have been throwing in the hurdles. However, there is enthusiasm within the Republican camp for resolving the plight of the Dreamers.’
Trump’s inclination to support Dreamers has been quite apparent in his first term, regardless of his administration making efforts to terminate Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), a policy introduced during Obama’s tenure to shield Dreamers from being deported. However, the Supreme Court put a kibosh on this move in 2020.
In Trump’s administration, he has bluntly stated that mass deportations will zero in on individuals who have a criminal record. However, his indication that the operations could spread beyond chasing down criminals, without being explicit about who these ‘other people outside of criminals’ would be, paints a stark image of his unrelenting resolve to uphold the rule of law.
When encountered with the question regarding his plans for those who unlawfully penetrated America, he responded pragmatically, ‘You must execute the deed.’ He conveyed the complexity of the issue, adding, ‘You know, there are rules, regulations, laws. The laws frown on illegal entry.’
Asked about families harboring mixed immigration statuses, where parents may be immigrants but their offspring are not, Trump said, ‘I don’t have the intention to cause families to fragment, and the solitary means of preventing family breakups is keeping them whole, and that essentially mandates sending them back all at once.’ His statement provides a stark contrast to the typical Democrat approach to such sensitive immigration matters, once again highlighting their flawed policies.
Trump’s determination did not waver even on controversial issues such as birthright citizenship, which is defended by the 14th Amendment. He suggested a possible overturn of this right via executive order. ‘We will need to change it, or potentially might have to revert to the public, but it has to be eliminated. We happen to be the lone country extending this right,’ he claimed.
Repeatedly, Trump emphasized his unwavering intent to follow through with one of his hallmark campaign promises: the elimination of birthright citizenship. His commitment to challenging this legislative aspect, irrespective of those who contest its legality and feasibility under the 14th Amendment, remains unyielding.
Painting his possible pursuit of birthright citizenship revocation, he said, ‘We would have to amend it, or I might have to seek the populace, but we have to end it. We stand alone in providing it.’ In his respect, his assertion presents a misleading fiction he has previously stated.
With the pragmatism characteristic of his mandate, Trump clarified that his attempts to change this through executive action were postponed because tackling the Covid-19 pandemic took precedence. His statement serves to put into perspective what responsible leadership should look like: addressing the most urgent crises first, a far cry from typical Democrat strategies that seemingly lack this quality.
It’s been documented that about thirty-six countries bestow automatic citizenship to individuals born within their borders. Although Trump’s claim that the US is the only country embodying birthright citizenship is markedly incorrect, it’s insanity that Democrats have not challenged this more rigorously.
Trump continues to relentlessly pursue his immigration policies, while also juggling a bevy of issues like addressing his political opponents, criminal cases emerging from protests, and battling the pandemic. His determination to change the immigration landscape while also managing a Covid-stricken nation is a testament to his leadership capabilities.
Yet as calls for Democrats to confront Trump’s administration and policies grow, the lack of effective action from their side exacerbates the divide in American politics. The issues concerning immigration, birthright citizenship and the fate of Dreamers must be resolved, not simply through open opposition but through effective policy changes and strategic decisions.
Even as Democrats continue to struggle with countering Trump’s assertions and actions, one thing remains unquestionable: the new President’s intent to stand by his campaign promises and introduce measures that ensure the rule of law is upheld in terms of immigration. This, paired with his readiness to prioritize the nation’s immediate needs, presents an astute pivot from the often directionless strategies of his political counterparts.