Me too. That was a masterful move that accomplished many things: Backed the demos into a corner, publicized some very good arguments for his plans, and showed himself to be very sane and in charge. I listened to a few minutes Hannity broadcast while I was driving home. Heard Trump say that he would insist on the word “merit” being a part of any immigration reform including DACA. Did anyone else catch this? That could really limit even Dreamer legalization!
Steny Hoyer looked like he swallowed a jar full of sour pickles, especially when the POTUS said the wall was not up for negotiation.
“Heard Trump say that he would insist on the word “merit” being a part of any immigration reform including DACA... That could really limit even Dreamer legalization!”
Yes it could. Bigly.
First off, DACA is a subset of dreamers (800K out of several million). DACA is a very well defined, discrete list of individuals, by name. Dreamers is a broad, weakly defined category. Millions of additional people could potentially attempt to enter in the future, through whatever window is defined as open for “Dreamers”.
If we move to a merit based immigration system, some of the DACA folks would be excellent candidates (healthy young adults, fluent in English with good education/skills, who pay taxes have no criminal record and use no welfare). They would be reasonable recruits to legalize, or flat out give green cards anyway.
At least half of the DACA folks are NOT good candidates under a merit based system. We need to bar those with criminal records, have gang associations (including tattoos) or who are functionally illiterate. We would be wise to further bar those with weak English language skills or medical issues.
Also, if you have merit criteria and no more chain migration, then the DACA folks who are accepted do not bring other family members with them, who don’t meet the standards (old, sick, illiterate, unskilled, welfare recipients, or those with criminal histories - such as the parents who violated the law to bring the DACA folks in).
Yes...I caught it
What about e-verify....?...was that mentioned.
In other news ....dims discombobulated, shellacked and electroplated on live TV.
I saw the whole recorded thing and I feel the same way you do concerning his demeanor and the effect he was presenting. Pearl clutching Lou Dobbs did not see it that way. Boy, what a disappointment his show was tonight.