Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have very different plans for immigration policy in the United States if elected president in November, including proposals that in some cases are directly opposite of each other.
Their campaign pledges range from ones emphasizing enforcement of existing laws to those requiring new legislation and possibly changes to the U.S. Constitution.
Trump is due to make a major speech on the issue in Arizona on Wednesday.
One of the most glaring questions is what to do about the estimated 11 million people already living in the country illegally.There is currently very little that population can do to earn citizenship. Clinton says one of her first priorities is immigration reform that would include creating a path to full citizenship, which Trump does not support.
An early Trump priority would be immediately deporting those undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes. Clinton also says she would prioritize kicking out violent criminals.
Both largely follow existing policies under President Barack Obama’s administration.
A 2014 memo from Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson identifies top immigration enforcement targets as people suspected of terrorism or espionage, trying to illegally enter the country, and those convicted of gang or felony crimes. People already in the country who have not committed crimes or significant visa program abuses are in the lowest tier READ MORE OF THIS STORY
SOURCES: VOA News Online
