Trump’s immigration U-turn: How he undermined the issue that made him popular on the right

From the report

Donald Trump built much of his political identity around one powerful promise: securing America’s borders and ending illegal immigration. For millions of conservative voters, his uncompromising position on immigration was not simply another campaign slogan; it represented a commitment to restoring national sovereignty, enforcing the rule of law and putting American citizens first. Yet, as Trump signals a willingness to negotiate legal status for millions of undocumented immigrants, he risks undermining one of the strongest foundations of his political support.

In a recent 60 Minutes interview with Ross Douthat, Trump suggested that he would consider reaching an agreement with Democrats to allow some undocumented immigrants to remain in the United States. While defending his border security record, he acknowledged that aggressive deportation policies had created difficulties for Republicans, particularly when long-term workers with established employment were removed from the country.

Trump specifically pointed to people working as hotel cleaners, housekeepers, waitresses and other service-sector employees. He argued that individuals who had lived in the country for 10 or 15 years, maintained employment and committed no serious crimes should potentially be considered for a negotiated arrangement. His comments effectively reopened the politically contentious debate over immigration amnesty.