United States President-elect Donald Trump announced on Sunday his plans to end birthright citizenship in the country on his first day in office. Birthright citizenship, protected under the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution, guarantees citizenship to individuals born on US soil, regardless of their parents’ legal status.
Key Highlights of Trump’s Immigration Policy
- Ending Birthright Citizenship
- Trump plans to revoke the rights of children born to undocumented parents in the US, signaling a significant shift in immigration policy.
- Mass Deportation of Illegal Immigrants
- Trump reaffirmed his intention to deport all illegal immigrants over his four-year term.Priority will be given to removing criminals, including violent gang members like MS-13 and Venezuelan gangs.
- Support for Legal Immigration
- Trump clarified that his administration would make it easier for legal immigrants to enter the country.
- Prospective immigrants will need to pass tests demonstrating knowledge of American values and history, including topics like the Statue of Liberty.
- Addressing the Dreamers
- Trump showed a willingness to work with Democrats to create a solution for Dreamers—undocumented immigrants brought to the US as children.
- He acknowledged that many Dreamers are now adults who have built lives and successful careers in the US.
- Trump remarked, “We are going to have to do something about the Dreamers… Republicans are very open to working on a plan.”
Crackdown on Criminals and Gangs
Trump emphasized the removal of individuals convicted of serious crimes, such as murder, and those released from mental institutions. He described such individuals as a danger to society and reiterated their immediate deportation as a top priority.
“You don’t want these dangerous people in this country. We have no choice,” he said.
Trump’s immigration plan outlines a hardline stance on illegal immigration, beginning with ending birthright citizenship and prioritizing the deportation of criminals. At the same time, he expressed support for legal immigration and showed openness to negotiating a solution for Dreamers. Trump’s policies are likely to spark significant debate and set the tone for the upcoming years of his presidency.
