Donald Trump has again hinted at a softer stance on the issue of immigration, indicating that he would be willing to work with undocumented immigrants. This is a departure from his plans to have over 11 million such immigrants removed from the US by a deportation force.
Trump now seems to be considering a plan like the immigration reform compromise championed by some moderate Republicans, but denies that his changed stance has anything to do with an offer of ‘amnesty’. In footage from a town hall meeting hosted by Sean Hannity for Fox News, Trump says that undocumented immigrants should never be offered US citizenship and would have to pay taxes, including back taxes. He declares that he is now willing to work that community.
The comments are a radical departure from Trump’s attitude during his Presidential campaign. Then, following the announcement of his candidacy last summer, he insisted that he wanted all undocumented immigrants currently living in the US to be deported. Over the last week, after sitting down with Hispanic leaders last weekend, the billionaire has hinted at finding a solution to the nation’s immigration difficulties that is more efficient and humane.
Trump maintains that he still wants to see criminal immigrants removed from the country but has begun to suggest that those who have not broken other laws should be treated with a less stringent approach. Many supporters have met his change of attitude with criticism.