1776Reporting
In a bold and controversial proposal, Donald Trump hinted during an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that his administration’s mass-deportation strategy may include deporting entire families, including some American citizens, to avoid breaking them apart. The former president argued that this approach aligns with his broader immigration policies, emphasizing that keeping families united was a top priority under the law.
“I don’t want to be breaking up families,” Trump stated. “So the only way you don’t break up the family is you keep them together, and you have to send them all back.”
Family-First Deportation Policy
Trump proposed a choice for families where some members are legal residents while others are not. He suggested that these families could opt to stay together by leaving the United States entirely.
“If they come here illegally but their family is here legally, then the family has a choice: The person that came in illegally can go out, or they can all go out together,” he explained.
Trump’s remarks, which reflect a continuation of his hardline stance on immigration, are already drawing attention for their potential impact on mixed-status households.
Targeting Criminals First
In discussing his mass-deportation plan, Trump clarified that his administration would prioritize the removal of criminals. He expressed a firm stance on upholding immigration laws and ensuring fairness for those waiting in line to enter the country legally.
“We have to get the criminals out of our country,” he said. “But we’re starting with the criminals, and then we’re starting with others, and we’re going to see how it goes.”
Acknowledging the potential backlash from such measures, Trump said, “What’s going to be hard is when we take a wonderful young woman who’s with a criminal… and the public turns against us. But we have to do our job.”
Revisiting Family Separation Policies
Trump’s immigration strategies in his first term faced significant criticism, particularly the family separation policy. Under that policy, children were often placed in government facilities while their parents faced deportation or legal proceedings. Public outrage eventually forced the administration to backtrack and focus on reunifying families.
This time, Trump appears to be presenting a different approach, though it remains uncertain how his policies would play out in practice.
Protecting Dreamers
Interestingly, Trump signaled a willingness to address the issue of Dreamers—individuals brought to the U.S. as children by undocumented parents. He expressed an interest in collaborating with Democrats to find a solution.
“I will work with the Democrats on a plan,” Trump said, adding that while Republicans are open to addressing the Dreamers, partisan gridlock has made progress challenging. He also expressed a desire for these individuals to remain in the country, saying, “I do. I want them to work something out.”
Ending Birthright Citizenship
Another cornerstone of Trump’s immigration platform is his push to end birthright citizenship, a right enshrined in the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Trump criticized the practice as outdated and suggested that it incentivizes illegal immigration.
“We have to end it. We’re the only country that has it,” Trump claimed, despite evidence that over 30 nations offer similar provisions. He hinted at using executive actions to challenge birthright citizenship.
Executive Actions Looming
As Trump prepares for a potential return to the White House, he teased a series of executive actions on immigration and the economy. While specifics remain unclear, his statements underscore his commitment to reshaping immigration policies, even at the risk of legal and public pushback.
Trump’s proposals, including deporting entire families and scrapping birthright citizenship, are already sparking debates on their feasibility and ethical implications. Whether these measures will resonate with voters or ignite further division remains to be seen.
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