President Donald Trump spoke of a “new American moment” in his State of the Union as he stuck to his call for a sweeping immigration reform with the construction of US-Mexican border wall, end to Diversity Lottery Visa program as well as extended family sponsorship in exchange for citizenship for 1.8 million dreamers.
Trump emphasized the need for Democrats and Republicans to unify and address the question of immigration which he framed as a security as well as an economic issue. The president said his economic policies and steps on national issues have infused a new momentum and optimism with historic low unemployment rates and saw a “new American moment.”
But frictions in Washington were visible as the president adhered to his approach to national and international issues including immigration while Democrats watched his address with no signs of compromise.
In his first State of the Union address, Trump declared that the U.S. would keep open the Guantanamo Bay prison to keep terrorists, termed China and Russia as rivals, spoke of new battlefield authority for American troops in Afghanistan and vowed that only friends of America would be entitled to U.S. financial assistance.
He also vowed to fight terrorists and protect American interests in all areas as part of his America First policy.
On immigration, the president told the story of two Long Island sisters who fell victim to MS-13 gang, and asked Congress to close the “deadly loopholes that have allowed MS-13, and other criminals, to break into our country.”
“We have proposed new legislation that will fix our immigration laws, and support our ICE and Border Patrol Agents, so that this cannot ever happen again.”
He reiterated that immigration would be geared to the well being of Americans and the United States.
“The United States is a compassionate nation. We are proud that we do more than any other country to help the needy, the struggling, and the underprivileged all over the world. But as President of the United States, my highest loyalty, my greatest compassion, and my constant concern is for America’s children, America’s struggling workers, and America’s forgotten communities. I want our youth to grow up to achieve great things. I want our poor to have their chance to rise.
“So tonight, I am extending an open hand to work with members of both parties — Democrats and Republicans — to protect our citizens of every background, color, religion, and creed. My duty, and the sacred duty of every elected official in this chamber, is to defend Americans — to protect their safety, their families, their communities, and their right to the American Dream. Because Americans are dreamers too.”
Trump, who faces the possibility of another government shutdown with February 8 deadline due to absence of agreement on immigration reform, expected that over the next few weeks, the House and Senate would be voting on his immigration reform package.
“In recent months, my Administration has met extensively with both Democrats and Republicans to craft a bipartisan approach to immigration reform. Based on these discussions, we presented the Congress with a detailed proposal that should be supported by both parties as a fair compromise — one where nobody gets everything they want, but where our country gets the critical reforms it needs.”
Trump explained the four pillars of his immigration plan this way:
“The first pillar of our framework generously offers a path to citizenship for 1.8 million illegal immigrants who were brought here by their parents at a young age — that covers almost three times more people than the previous administration. Under our plan, those who meet education and work requirements, and show good moral character, will be able to become full citizens of the United States.is
“The second pillar fully secures the border. That means building a wall on the Southern border, and it means hiring more heroes like CJ to keep our communities safe. Crucially, our plan closes the terrible loopholes exploited by criminals and terrorists to enter our country — and it finally ends the dangerous practice of “catch and release.”
“The third pillar ends the visa lottery — a program that randomly hands out green cards without any regard for skill, merit, or the safety of our people. It is time to begin moving towards a merit-based immigration system — one that admits people who are skilled, who want to work, who will contribute to our society, and who will love and respect our country.
“The fourth and final pillar protects the nuclear family by ending chain migration. Under the current broken system, a single immigrant can bring in virtually unlimited numbers of distant relatives. Under our plan, we focus on the immediate family by limiting sponsorships to spouses and minor children. This vital reform is necessary, not just for our economy, but for our security, and our future.
“In recent weeks, two terrorist attacks in New York were made possible by the visa lottery and chain migration. In the age of terrorism, these programs present risks we can no longer afford.
“It is time to reform these outdated immigration rules, and finally bring our immigration system into the 21st century.
“These four pillars represent a down-the-middle compromise, and one that will create a safe, modern, and lawful immigration system.
“For over 30 years, Washington has tried and failed to solve this problem. This Congress can be the one that finally makes it happen.
“Most importantly, these four pillars will produce legislation that fulfills my ironclad pledge to only sign a bill that puts America first. So let us come together, set politics aside, and finally get the job done.”
