Trump’s Immigration Agenda: A Look at the Policies and Proposals

During his presidency, Donald Trump made immigration a central focus of his agenda. One of the key aspects of this agenda was strengthening immigration enforcement and border security. While Trump’s presidency saw various policies and proposals aimed at achieving this goal, one specific bill regarding detention of undocumented migrants charged with certain crimes was not found to be passed as a legislative win for President Trump.

The Border Wall: A Signature Campaign Promise

One of Trump’s most notable immigration policies was the construction of a border wall along the US-Mexico border. The wall was intended to prevent illegal immigration and was a central promise of Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. While the wall’s construction faced numerous delays and legal challenges, it remains a symbol of Trump’s commitment to strengthening border security.

Kate’s Law: Increasing Penalties for Undocumented Immigrants

Another key aspect of Trump’s immigration agenda was Kate’s Law, a proposed law aimed at increasing penalties for undocumented immigrants who re-enter the US after being deported. The law was named after Kate Steinle, a woman who was killed by an undocumented immigrant in San Francisco in 2015. While Kate’s Law did not pass, it reflected Trump’s focus on enforcing immigration laws and punishing those who break them.

Changes to Legal Immigration: The RAISE Act

In addition to strengthening border security and enforcing immigration laws, Trump’s administration also sought to reform the legal immigration system. The RAISE Act, which was introduced in 2017, aimed to reduce legal immigration by half and prioritize skilled workers. While the RAISE Act did not pass, it reflected Trump’s desire to shift the US immigration system towards a more merit-based approach.

While Trump’s presidency saw various policies and proposals aimed at strengthening immigration enforcement and border security, the specific bill regarding detention of undocumented migrants charged with certain crimes was not found to be passed as a legislative win for President Trump. Nevertheless, Trump’s immigration agenda remains a significant aspect of his legacy, and its impact continues to shape the national conversation on immigration.