Ap fact check trump immigration pitch shaky ground
A fact-check of Trump's immigration pitch! Here's a breakdown of the claims and their accuracy:
Claim 1: "We're going to build a wall, and Mexico is going to pay for it."
- Accuracy: Shaky ground
- Mexico has repeatedly denied any obligation to pay for a wall. In 2019, Mexico's foreign minister, Marcelo Ebrard, stated that Mexico would not pay for a wall.
- The Trump administration has since shifted its stance, proposing that the US government pay for the wall and then seek reimbursement from Mexico through a trade agreement.
Claim 2: "We're going to have a merit-based system, where we're going to attract the best and the brightest."
- Accuracy: Partially true
- The Trump administration has proposed a merit-based immigration system, which would prioritize immigrants with skills and education.
- However, the proposal has been criticized for being overly complex and potentially discriminatory, as it would give preference to immigrants with higher levels of education and income.
Claim 3: "We're going to end chain migration, where people are coming in based on family ties."
- Accuracy: Partially true
- The Trump administration has proposed ending the "chain migration" system, which allows US citizens and permanent residents to sponsor extended family members for immigration.
- However, the proposal has been criticized for being overly broad and potentially separating families.
Claim 4: "We're going to end the visa lottery, which is a total disaster."
- Accuracy: True
- The Diversity Visa Lottery Program, also known as the "visa lottery," has been criticized for being vulnerable to fraud and abuse.
- The Trump administration has ended the program, effective 2020.
Claim 5: "We're going to increase border security, and we're going to make sure that our borders are secure."
- Accuracy: True
- The Trump administration has increased funding for border security, including the construction of physical barriers along the US-Mexico border.
- However, the effectiveness of these measures in reducing illegal immigration has been disputed by experts and critics.
Claim 6: "We're going to deport millions of people who are here illegally."
- Accuracy: Shaky ground
- The Trump administration has deported millions of people during its tenure, but the exact number is disputed.
- Critics argue that the administration's deportation policies have been overly aggressive and have separated families.
Overall, while some of Trump's claims about immigration have been partially true or accurate, others have been disputed or exaggerated. It's essential to approach these claims with a critical eye and consider multiple sources of information to get a more complete understanding of the issues.