I think Trump used the word “soften” because that off the record conversation with the NY Times was on his mind...Where he probably informed them his immigration policy was in fact negotiable.
Honestly, I can understand that ... I think for anyone to say NO H1B VISAS is unrealistic and a lie.
The mass import of any level skill H1B to replace American workers though should be reputed. Amend the visa to reflect pay and benefits will be the same as the displaced worker.
But.
What will happen is the companies that want cheap labor will just offshore altogether if possible. Or move entirely. Tough situation.
Actually, if anyone was paying attention, Trump has been “softening” on illegal immigration since before Iowa.
1. Build a wall, make Mexico pay for it. Keep out the rapist etc.
2. Build a wall with a “great big beautiful door” to let the “good ones” back in.
3. Build a wall with a “great big beautiful door” to “expedite” the return of the “good ones”.
4. Naming a price to build 1000 miles of the wall, because we do not need to build the wall all across the 2000 mile southern border, due to natural barriers. (He is right about natural barriers, but I do not believe it is fully one half).
There you have him evolving, all before Iowa.