Donald Trump delivers his first address to a joint session of Congress from the floor of the House of Representatives in Washington, DC, USA, 28 February 2017. (Getty)
During a speech before a joint session of Congress on Tuesday evening, Donald Trump said that he believes Republicans and Democrats can work together to achieve immigration reform while stopping short of suggesting openness to providing a pathway to citizenship.
Trump said on Tuesday that his administration has “answered the pleas of the American people” for immigration enforcement and border security; he says that just enforcing existing immigration laws will wage raises, help unemployed Americans, save money, and make communities safer.
“We want Americans to succeed, but that can’t happen in an environment of lawless chaos,” Trump said. “We must restore integrity and the rule of law to our borders.”
The president went on to say that this is the reason he will construct a border wall which will be “a very effective weapon against drugs and crime.” He also said that his administration is currently removing gang members, drug dealers, and criminals that threaten American communities.
“To any in Congress who do not believe we should enforce our laws, I would ask you this question: what would you say to the American family that loses their jobs, their income, or a loved one, because America refused to uphold its laws and defend its borders?” Trump said.
The president later said that immigration reform is possible, and he believes that Democrats and Republicans can work together to accomplish that.
“I believe that real and positive immigration reform is possible, as long as we focus on the following goals: to improve jobs and wages for Americans, to strengthen our nation’s security, and to restore respect for our laws,” Trump said. “If we are guided by the well-being of American citizens, then I believe Republicans and Democrats can work together to achieve an outcome that has eluded our country for decades.”
This statement about Congress working together received a standing ovation from Republicans while Democrats remained seated. Trump also stated that America should adopt a merit-based immigration system, a statement which received applause from Republicans.
Prior to the speech, it was reported that Trump would say that he is open to immigration reform that includes a pathway to citizenship; although the president did express a willingness to work with Democrats on this issue, he mentioned nothing about providing amnesty to undocumented immigrants.