Trump Outlines Sweeping Immigration Plans, Seeks Deal for Dreamers

President-elect Donald Trump has reaffirmed his commitment to implementing strict immigration measures, including plans to deport all undocumented immigrants over his four-year term. In an interview aired on NBC News’ Meet the Press, Trump emphasized his intent to address illegal immigration while expressing a willingness to negotiate protections for "Dreamers" – individuals brought to the U.S. illegally as children.

Trump announced his intention to take executive action on his first day in office to end birthright citizenship, a right enshrined in the Constitution that grants citizenship to anyone born in the U.S., regardless of their parents' immigration status. Acknowledging the potential for legal challenges, Trump suggested that Republicans may need to pursue a constitutional amendment to achieve this goal.

Illegal immigration is expected to be declared a national emergency when Trump assumes office on January 20. His administration plans to mobilize federal resources to intensify enforcement efforts. Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, and deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller, indicated that substantial Congressional funding would be essential to support these initiatives.

The Department of Homeland Security estimated approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. as of January 2022, a figure likely higher today. Deporting this population over a decade could cost an estimated $88 billion annually, according to the American Immigration Council. Despite the financial and logistical challenges, Homan emphasized the need for robust Congressional backing.

While Trump’s plans include strict measures, he noted openness to bipartisan discussions about protections for Dreamers, a group whose deportation relief was upheld by the Supreme Court during his previous term. "We’ll maybe have to go back to the people," Trump remarked, hinting at the arduous path ahead for his administration’s immigration agenda.