Donald Trump on immigration

When Donald Trump first began his campaign, he gained a lot of attention because of his strong statements about illegal immigration. One of his consistent promises to his supporters is the building of a wall along the United States' southern border with Mexico, and to make Mexico pay for the wall. While he has drawn much praise and dismissal because of this plan, it is only one point in his “10 Point Plan to Put America First.”

Trump introduced his 10-point immigration plan during a speech in Phoenix on Aug. 31, the full text of which is available on Trump's website. The businessman has stated many of his promises will be swiftly carried out and begun on day one of his presidency. Beginning work on the wall is one of these “day one” projects, and is the first point of his plan.

The second point of Trump's plan is to end the practice of “catch-and-release,” meaning when an individual is apprehended while illegally entering the United States, they will be detained until they are able to be deported.

Thirdly, Trump vowed to “move criminal aliens out,” while ending the non-enforcement policies of the current administration.

In point four, Trump said he will end sanctuary cities by cutting off federal funding to cities that do not cooperate with federal authorities, while passing legislation to protect cities that do.

Fifth, Trump promised to enforce all immigration laws by tripling the number of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. ICE currently is the second largest law enforcement agency in the United States, next to the FBI.

Point six of Trump's plan involves putting a stop to issuing visas to places where “adequate screening cannot occur.” During his speech, Trump specifically named places such as Syria and Libya that are the focus of this point. Trump would like to see every visa applicant asked about their attitudes toward topics deemed appropriate and relevant to their ability to live peacefully in the U.S.

In relation to several earlier points, point seven entails ensuring foreign governments take back their citizens when they are deported from the U.S. Trump said in his speech that when foreign governments refuse to take back their citizens, law enforcement agencies are forced to release them in the U.S., including those who are criminals.

Eighth, Trump said he will complete the biometric entry-exit system Congress has required for several years, but hasn't implemented. Trump says this will lower the number of immigrants who come to the U.S. on temporary visas but then overstay their visas.

In point nine, Trump addressed what he calls the “jobs and benefits magnet.” Trump would like to make it more difficult to employ undocumented workers, while also making it more difficult for those workers to receive government assistance.

Finally, in point 10, Trump said he will reform the legal immigration process to “... serve the best interests of America and its workers.” This would include limiting immigration based on individuals' merit and likelihood of success in American culture.

After Trump introduced his 10 points, he said, “These 10 steps, if rigorously followed and enforced, will accomplish more in a matter of months than our politicians have accomplished on this issue in the last 50 years.”

For more information about Trump and his immigration policy, visit www.donaldjtrump.com/policies/immigration.