Immigration policy somehow took a backseat in this election, somewhere between the charade of both conventions, and Donald Trump releasing his tax forms. No more, though. Immigration is a major issue in this coming election, especially because of the incredibly different stances both candidates take. Clinton needs no overview. Not surprisingly, she has stuck to her democratic roots, staying close to Obama’s stance on the issue. Trump’s opinions and solutions are drastically different, though, and worth reviewing.
1. “A nation without borders is not a nation.”
Basically, Donald Trump believes that nations can only establish themselves if they become a fortress, keeping the outside world out. No one can argue that a perimeter is essential in any territory, but when it comes to a successful nation, there is nothing wrong with a little inclusion.
2. “A nation without laws is not a nation.”
Again, this is not an incorrect statement, but in Donald Trump’s extensive description of what he means by this on his website, it’s clear that he takes this notion a little far. Everyone can pretty much agree that laws should be abided by, but when those laws are incredibly hostile, it is hard to ignore the injustice. Just keep this phrase in mind as we go further and further down this list.
3. “A nation that does not serve its own citizens is not a nation.”
Citizens of a nation are important, yes, but what about the other billions of people outside the “borders?” His layout of immigration reform does not really account for all those other people because Trump is incredibly self centered, and envisions the future of American to be so, too. He somehow feeds off of an archaic notion that it has been such a hardship on the average American who has suffered through past administrations caring too much about all those “other people.” If history of exclusion does not speak for itself, maybe think about how people hated The Plastics in Mean Girls because they were a stuck up, exclusive club with ridiculous rules. Yeah. I went there.
4. “Make Mexico pay for the wall.”
This is a legitimate proposal. This is not a scenario Trump came up with during the debates to kill time. He truly believes that there should be a wall that Mexico should, and will, pay for. This fact alone should really make you think long and hard about the sanity of this candidate.
5. “Defend the laws and Constitution of the United States.”
All these proposals for immigration reform are in the name of defending the Constitution. That very statement shows the hundreds of years old document has been outdated far too long at this point in our political history.
6. “Triple the number of ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) officers.”
If there were not enough officers already, Trump would like to triple this number for the sheer reason of amped up security to keep Americans safe.
7. “End birthright citizenship.”
This proposed rule is incredibly ridiculous when you think about it. There are several babies born in the U.S. that deserve the right to citizenship, but won’t be granted it because of something they didn’t do. That does not sound very American to me.
8. “Requirement to hire American workers first.”
This is RACISM and DISCRIMINATION at its finest, if I’ve ever seen it. Sure, it sounds great in theory: Let’s make sure Americans are employed before we dip into a different demographic. Too bad Trump doesn’t understand how elitist that mentality is.
9. “Immigration moderation.”
I don’t need to break down this quote. It pretty much explains itself, and we should all think long and hard about how important the word “moderation” is. Sure, it may mean immigration needs to slow down, but more importantly, it means it is going to be more moderated or regulated.