On Wednesday, Republican Presidential candidate, Donald Trump, pledged to crack down on undocumented immigrants who disobey the law as a way to protect the jobs of minority employees. This is part of an attempt to extend his appeal to Hispanic and black community voters.
At a Tampa rally, Trump didn’t mention deporting the 11 million undocumented immigrants currently living in the US, adding to speculation that his stance may be softening on that issue. Instead, he talked about his desire to see the enforcement of existing immigration laws, such as targeting those who remain in the country despite having overstayed their US visas. Trump mocked what he called the ‘open borders’ policy of Democratic Presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton. He said that she wants to allow immigrants to pour in, while he wants to enforce laws, dismantle criminal cartels and gangs, deport those who overstay their US visas, and protect the benefits and jobs of hardworking Americans.
Trump’s campaign has made standing against illegal immigration its signature issue. It secured him the Republican candidacy against 16 competitors. Trump has also declared that he intends to build a wall on the border between the US and Mexico and force the Mexican government to pay for it.
The controversial real estate magnet may be softening his position to appeal to minority groups and moderate voters. On Tuesday, Trump said that he could soften his position to undocumented immigrants who obey the law and who make a positive contribution to American society.