Photo: Screenshot/CNBC
Toning down his stance on immigration, President Donald Trump on Tuesday indicated he is open to a compromise outcome on reform guided by well-being of Americans.
He also issued a call for unity and across-the-aisle concerted backing for efforts toward prosperity and security of all Americans during his address to a joint sitting of Congress and underlined that “real and positive” immigration reform could be possible.
Hours before his speech – marked by a climbing down from rhetoric on some of the key issues he has laid out for his administration – the president told news channel anchors that he could agree on a reform bill that gives legal status to peaceful undocumented people already in the United States.
“The time is right for an immigration bill as long as there is compromise on both sides,” he reportedly told TV anchors.
At the same time, during his address on the Capitol Hill, Trump, whose immigration policy ideas have been a subject of intense debate and criticism, also reiterated his administration’s resolve to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border and enforce vetting for travelers from countries with broken systems of identification.
“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,” he later told the joint sitting of Congress.
“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,” Trump added.
Trump also backed a merit-based immigration system, citing examples of Canada and Australia,.
“It is a basic principle that those seeking to enter a country ought to be able to support themselves financially.
“Yet, in America, we do not enforce this rule, straining the very public resources that our poorest citizens rely upon. According to the National Academy of Sciences, our current immigration system costs America’s taxpayers many billions of dollars a year.”
Switching away from this current system of lower-skilled immigration, and instead adopting a merit-based system, will have many benefits.
“It will save countless dollars, raise workers’ wages, and help struggling families –- including immigrant families –- enter the middle class,” he argued.
But he was emphatic in renewing his promise to take tough measures against illegal immigration.
“By finally enforcing our immigration laws, we will raise wages, help the unemployed, save billions of dollars, and make our communities safer for everyone. We want all Americans to succeed –- but that can’t happen in an environment of lawless chaos. We must restore integrity and the rule of law to our borders.
“For that reason, we will soon begin the construction of a great wall along our southern border. It will be started ahead of schedule and, when finished, it will be a very effective weapon against drugs and crime.
“As we speak, we are removing gang members, drug dealers and criminals that threaten our communities and prey on our citizens. Bad ones are going out as I speak tonight and as I have promised.”
On combating terror threat, Trump said, “Our obligation is to serve, protect, and defend the citizens of the United States. We are also taking strong measures to protect our Nation from Radical Islamic Terrorism.”
Referring to data provided by the Department of Justice, the president said the vast majority of individuals convicted for terrorism-related offenses since 9/11 came here from outside of the United States.
“We have seen the attacks at home -– from Boston to San Bernardino to the Pentagon and yes, even the World Trade Center. We have seen the attacks in France, in Belgium, in Germany and all over the world.
“It is not compassionate, but reckless, to allow uncontrolled entry from places where proper vetting cannot occur. Those given the high honor of admission to the United States should support this country and love its people and its values.”
Trump said his administration would not allow the United States to become a sanctuary for extremists.
“We cannot allow a beachhead of terrorism to form inside America — we cannot allow our Nation to become a sanctuary for extremists.
“That is why my Administration has been working on improved vetting procedures, and we will shortly take new steps to keep our Nation safe — and to keep out those who would do us harm.”
Trump noted that the ISIS – operating out of Syria and Iraq – has also killed Muslims and vowed to work with allies and friends in the Muslim world to defeat the terror organization.
“As promised, I directed the Department of Defense to develop a plan to demolish and destroy ISIS — a network of lawless savages that have slaughtered Muslims and Christians, and men, women, and children of all faiths and beliefs. We will work with our allies, including our friends and allies in the Muslim world, to extinguish this vile enemy from our planet.”
