DeSantis presents a border and immigration policy similar to Trump's

Nathan Rivera

30/06/2023

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Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis has vowed to end birthright citizenship, complete construction of the southern border wall and send US forces into Mexico to fight drug cartels as part of his immigration policy proposals that filed Monday in a Texas border town.

This plan, the first detailed initiative promoted by the governor of Florida with a view to 2024, constitutes in a long list of impossible objectives of the Republican proposals on immigration and that largely reflect the policies of former president Donald Trump.

DeSantis's plan faces a high improbability of being carried out because it would require the reversal of legal precedents, the approval of other countries and even an amendment to the United States Constitution.

Still, DeSantis projected an image of confidence, lashing out at leaders of both political parties for failing to stop what he described as an immigrant "invasion" in a speech to residents of Eagle Pass, Texas, a community that has become a major corridor. of unauthorized border crossings during the Joe Biden presidency.

“I've heard people in DC for years and years, for decades — Republicans and Democrats — bringing this up, but they've never really come to a conclusion on it,” DeSantis told an audience of just 100. "What we are saying is that there are no excuses about this."

DeSantis' campaign has promised to release more details about the policy in the coming weeks. But by spearheading immigration, DeSantis is prioritizing a divisive issue that has long interested most conservative GOP voters.

The pro-immigrant group America's Voice censured DeSantis for making references to an “invasion” that white supremacists have mentioned.

But voters in the political center have come out in favor of tougher immigration policies in recent months in the face of an increase in illegal border crossings.

In total, six in 10 adults in the United States disapprove of President Biden's handling of immigration, according to a recent AP-NORC poll.

Still, it would be hard for DeSantis to break away from the immigration issue in the face of the other 2024 Republican presidential hopefuls, especially Trump, who is running as the favorite.

But that didn't stop him from trying.

From a podium that had the phrases “No excuses” and “Stop the invasion,” DeSantis noted that there were more immigrants deported in the first four years of the Barack Obama administration than during the Trump presidency.

And while DeSantis avoided mentioning Trump by name in his speech, his repeated references to the unfinished border wall were a dedicated criticism of the former president. Trump tried but failed to finish a wall along the 1,950-mile (3,140-kilometer) US-Mexico border during his four years in office.

Prior to Monday's announcement, the DeSantis campaign released merchandise with the words “Build the wall. Without excuses".

Trump apparently watched his Republican rival's message on television, describing DeSantis' comments as "very boring."

"DeSanto's speech was just a rehash of all the things I did to have 'the strongest, most secure border in American history,'" Trump wrote on social media.

Trump emphasized immigration as he delivered the keynote address to hundreds of enthusiastic religious conservatives at the Faith and Liberty Coalition conference in Washington over the weekend. He has vowed to carry out “the nation's largest border deportation operation” and boasted of having completed more than 300 miles of wall along the southern border during his administration, pledging to build more if he wins another term.

Trump's policies succeeded in restricting immigration, but the number of people crossing the US-Mexico border continued to rise during his tenure before declining during the COVID-19 pandemic.

And his policies caused gridlock in the immigration system. The number of cases pending in the immigration courts alone went from around 500,000 in June 2016 to 1.3 million at the end of 2020. There were also major human rights issues, particularly with the “Remain in Mexico” program and the separation of the children of their families at the border.

In his plan, DeSantis is embracing many of the same policies.

Like Trump, DeSantis vowed to end the constitutionally enshrined practice that grants citizenship to all babies born on American soil.

Similarly, DeSantis vows to end the policy that currently allows illegally-entered immigrants to be released into the country until their court dates. This is because the federal immigration authorities only have money for 30,000 beds, making it impossible to apprehend everyone who is arrested.

DeSantis also wants to reinstate the Remain in Mexico policy to make asylum seekers wait in Mexico for US immigration court hearings. Such a plan would need Mexico's approval.

DeSantis further vows to use military force against drug cartels if necessary. It says it would "reserve the right to operate across the border to protect our territory from the activities of Mexican cartels," according to the plan, which also calls for the US Navy and Coast Guard to block entry of precursor chemicals. in Mexican ports if "the Mexican government does not stop the drug manufacturing of the cartels."

“We will use all the leverage at our disposal both against Mexico and against the cartels,” he told his audience at Eagle Pass. "If they're trying to get products into this country and they're killing our people, you not only have the right, you have the responsibility to fight back."

The post DeSantis presents a border and immigration policy similar to that of Trump first appeared on Washington Hispanic.

Author Profile

Nathan Rivera
Allow me to introduce myself. I am Nathan Rivera, a dedicated journalist who has had the privilege of writing for the online newspaper Today90. My journey in the world of journalism has been a testament to the power of dedication, integrity, and passion.

My story began with a relentless thirst for knowledge and an innate curiosity about the events shaping our world. I graduated with honors in Investigative Journalism from a renowned university, laying the foundation for what would become a fulfilling career in the field.

What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth. I refuse to settle for superficial answers or preconceived narratives. Instead, I constantly challenge the status quo, delving deep into complex issues to reveal the reality beneath the surface. My dedication to investigative journalism has uncovered numerous scandals and shed light on issues others might prefer to ignore.

I am also a staunch advocate for press freedom. I have tirelessly fought to protect the rights of journalists and have faced significant challenges in my quest to inform the public truthfully and without constraints. My courage in defending these principles serves as an example to all who believe in the power of journalism to change the world.

Throughout my career, I have been honored with numerous awards and recognitions for my outstanding work in journalism. My investigations have changed policies, exposed corruption, and given a voice to those who had none. My commitment to truth and justice makes me a beacon of hope in a world where misinformation often prevails.

At Today90, I continue to be a driving force behind journalistic excellence. My tireless dedication to fair and accurate reporting is an invaluable asset to the editorial team. My biography is a living testament to the importance of journalism in our society and a reminder that a dedicated journalist can make a difference in the world.

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