Language is Everything, as well has how you frame things.
Instead of targeting religion, Trump and conservatives have to reshape the proposal to put a moratorium on immigration from high risk countries (middle east and african), including refugees.
Mr. Trump and conservatives would be wise to “watch our language” and not blow the election by broad brush sloppy talk that feeds our enemies.
The fact is, under current US federal law, the President may exclude any individual or group from entering this country, for any reason.
Failure to realize that simply betrays an ignorance of current law. The President can exclude men, women, catholics, people wearing red shirts, people who go to prayer meeting on Wednesday nights, Japanese citizens, Indonesian citizens, gays, straight people, people under 6 feet tall, people over 6 feet tall, etc.
My understanding is that, statutorily, the President has arbitrary power to exclude foreigners from immigrating to this country, based on any criteria whatsoever. Religious tests for immigration are explicitly mentioned as an example somewhere in the US Code, if I'm not mistaken.
"Softening" his rhetoric on this issue is certainly nothing for any hysterical critic of Donald Trump to hang his/her hat on. Donald Trump has made his intent clear, and his reasons for advocating the policy have been stated.
Vote Trump