This weekend saw the release of GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump’s much-anticipated immigration reform platform, and judging by my Twitter timeline it has generated a wide array of very vociferous reactions. Much like the candidate himself, it must be stated. However, when you stop to examine the document, the proposals are remarkable for their reasonableness. Leaving aside Trump’s trademark vituperation of Mexico-which, although well-deserved, will probably never be encoded in any future presidential diplomacy-there’s nothing outrageous, or even very objectionable, about any enumerated point.
While I would personally have preferred more a greater focus upon interior enforcement, every other plank, from reciprocal sanctions of nations that refuse to accept the repatriation of criminal aliens to the defunding of sanctuary cities, is praiseworthy in its own right. Of particular interest-to me, at least-is his full-throated attack upon the H1-B and J-1 visa programs. A corporate titan criticizing the exploitation of these forms of corporate welfare is a refreshing change of pace, and no doubt partially inspired by Mr. Trump’s collaboration with our friend Jeff Sessions, one of the few members of the United States Senate who prioritizes the interests of American citizens and workers, rather than multinational corporations and K Street.
There are many reasons, both stylistically and substantively, to criticize the Trump campaign, but it’s hard to find fault with these policy proposals, especially when contrasted with the counterproductive, well-worn path trod by his primary opponents.
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