FAIR Hails the Trump Administration’s Sweeping Immigration Priorities
The administration’s detailed plan to regain control of the border, fix the nation’s dysfunctional immigration enforcement policies, and move our legal immigration system to a merit-based model that includes a return to more traditional levels of immigration is an enormous win for American workers, national security and the nation as a whole.
(October 8, 2017, Washington, D.C.) — The following statement was issued by Dan Stein, president of FAIR, regarding the Trump Administration release of its sweeping immigration reform plan:
“The administration’s detailed plan to regain control of the nation’s dysfunctional immigration enforcement policies while moving our legal immigration system to a merit-based model that includes a return to more traditional levels of immigration is an enormous win for American workers, national security and the nation as a whole.
Secure the border
“The plan also includes the construction of the border wall, a key promise made by candidate Trump on the election trail and one that has been applauded by the Border Patrol for its ability to deter illegal immigration while making their jobs much less dangerous.
Interior Enforcement
“The objectives also target dangerous sanctuary cities, allowing state and local police to work in coordination with federal immigration officials, forming a national enforcement web to protect the American public from criminal aliens and would-be terrorists. Another priority detailed is bolstering E-Verify, the key to locking illegal immigrants out of coveted American jobs and helping tens of thousands of U.S. workers reenter the workforce.
Merit-Based Legal Immigration System
“The plan also addresses our highly dysfunctional legal immigration system, which continues to admit historic numbers of immigrants who lack needed skills and language abilities to thrive in today’s America. The U.S. is a merit-based country that desperately needs a merit-based immigration system.
“Democrats have made clear that they desperately want a DACA legalization, yet are unwilling to consider any reforms that truly benefit the American people and reflect the national interest. Any DACA program will have an enormous and immediate downside, increasing pressure on our borders by those who wish to cash in on a legalization. The plans detailed in the administration’s agenda must be in place prior to any DACA negotiations, to ensure that DACA doesn’t ignite yet another crisis at the border.”