Trump Likely to Stress Immigration in
His Third Address to a Joint
Meeting of Congress
His Third Address to a Joint
Meeting of Congress
Monday, February 4, 2019
President Donald J. Trump is scheduled this week to make his second State of the Union Address and his third address, overall, before a joint meeting of Congress. The text of his remarks was not available at the time of this writing. However, it is anticipated that he will use the occasion as an opportunity to continue the harsh rhetoric he has often employed against immigrants and immigration, generally, and to renew his call for the appropriation of funding for the construction of a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico. |
From the perspective of those interested in immigration policy, it is a given that President Trump will speak harshly about immigrants and immigration during the Address. He always has during his "big stage" events. For them, the biggest question hanging over the evening is the matter of whether the President will follow through with hints he made in the week leading up to Tuesday night that he will use the Address to declare that a national emergency exists along the border, assert that he will commandeer funds previously appropriated for other purposes to build his wall along the U.S. border, and order U.S. military forces to construct the wall.
At the time of this writing, aides to the President have said that he will assert his determination "to stop illegal immigration, human trafficking, and the flow of drugs and crime." But they have not indicated whether he will announce he will use emergency powers to fund construction of his proposed wall.
This week's Address is scheduled for 9:00 pm EST on Tuesday, February 29, 2019, in the House Chamber. It will be televised live to a national audience via all of the broadcast and cable news networks. As has been the case for all such Addresses in the modern era, present in the chamber will be members of both the House and Senate, the justices of the Supreme Court of the United States, the president’s cabinet, and the diplomatic corps.
Trump's First Address to Congress. President Trump's first address to a joint meeting of Congress was not, technically, a State of the Union Address. It occurred on February 28, 2017, just over a month after he was sworn into office.
In remarks that were peppered throughout with references to immigrants and immigration, the President at that time painted a dark, dystopian image of immigrants and immigration It was devoid of any mention of the positive attributes of immigrants past or present. Instead, he portrayed immigrants as a threat to public safety, a threat to jobs for Americans, and a drain on public resources.
The president made seven different references or mentions of immigrants or immigration during that Address. In all, he devoted 937 of the 5,037 words in that Address to the two subjects. Both the number of references and the number of words devoted to them were records for presidents making Addresses to Congress. By contrast, President Obama devoted just 37 words to the subject in his first Address to Congress.
While the President gave a nod to the possibility of enactment of bipartisan immigration reform legislation in his remarks, he spoke of that possibility in terms of protecting the U.S. from those who would do the nation harm, and he did not at all address his view of what the fate should be of the millions of undocumented migrants currently living in the United States.
It did not take President Trump long to bring up the subject of immigration. His first reference to the subject came just eight paragraphs into his 135 paragraph address:
In remarks that were peppered throughout with references to immigrants and immigration, the President at that time painted a dark, dystopian image of immigrants and immigration It was devoid of any mention of the positive attributes of immigrants past or present. Instead, he portrayed immigrants as a threat to public safety, a threat to jobs for Americans, and a drain on public resources.
The president made seven different references or mentions of immigrants or immigration during that Address. In all, he devoted 937 of the 5,037 words in that Address to the two subjects. Both the number of references and the number of words devoted to them were records for presidents making Addresses to Congress. By contrast, President Obama devoted just 37 words to the subject in his first Address to Congress.
While the President gave a nod to the possibility of enactment of bipartisan immigration reform legislation in his remarks, he spoke of that possibility in terms of protecting the U.S. from those who would do the nation harm, and he did not at all address his view of what the fate should be of the millions of undocumented migrants currently living in the United States.
It did not take President Trump long to bring up the subject of immigration. His first reference to the subject came just eight paragraphs into his 135 paragraph address:
"We've defended the borders of other nations, while leaving our own borders wide open, for anyone to cross, and for drugs to pour in at a now unprecedented rate. And we've spent trillions and trillions of dollars overseas, while our infrastructure at home has so badly crumbled."
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The President next turned to the issue of immigration during a recitation of what he contended have been the accomplishments so far of his Administration. During this passage, the President said:
"my administration has answered the pleas of the American people for immigration enforcement and border security. By finally enforcing our immigration laws, we will raise wages, help the unemployed, save billions and billions of dollars, and make our communities safer for everyone. We want all Americans to succeed, but that can't happen in an environment of lawless chaos."
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During this part of his Address, the President made mention of the border wall and the stepped up interior immigration enforcement contemplated by his two executive orders on border security and interior immigration enforcement, the memoranda issued by Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly, and actions that have been undertaken in recent weeks to carry out those mandates:
"We must restore integrity and the rule of law at our borders. For that reason, we will soon begin the construction of a great, great wall along our southern border."
"As we speak tonight, we are removing gang members, drug dealers, and criminals that threaten our communities and prey on our very innocent citizens. Bad ones are going out as I speak, and as I promised throughout the campaign. To any in Congress who do not believe we should enforce our laws, I would ask you this one question: What would you say to the American family that loses their jobs, their income, or their loved one, because America refused to uphold its laws and defend its borders?" |
The President's next reference to immigration came during a passage, during which he seemed to be alluding to and justifying his attempts to institute "extreme vetting," a pause on refugee admissions, and a temporary ban on individuals traveling to the United States from seven banned countries:
"Our obligation is to serve, protect, and defend the citizens of the United States. We are also taking strong measures to protect our nation from radical Islamic terrorism.
"According to data provided by the Department of Justice, the vast majority of individuals convicted of terrorism and terrorism-related offenses since 9/11 came here from outside of our country. We have seen the attacks at home, from Boston to San Bernardino to the Pentagon and, yes, even the World Trade Center. We have seen the attacks in France, in Belgium, in Germany, and all over the world. "It is not compassionate, but reckless to allow uncontrolled entry from places where proper vetting cannot occur. "Those given the high honor of admission to the United States should support this country and love its people and its values. We cannot allow a beachhead of terrorism to form inside America, and we cannot allow our nation to become a sanctuary for extremists. "That is why my administration has been working on improved vetting procedures, and we will shortly take new steps to keep our nation safe, and to keep those out who will do us harm." |
The President's next turned to a criticism of immigrants for taking American jobs and reliance on public assistance, as well as on his proposal that the U.S. legal immigration system be refashioned to deal with that criticism:
"I am going to bring back millions of jobs. Protecting our workers also means reforming our system of legal immigration.
"The current, outdated system depresses wages for our poorest workers and puts great pressure on taxpayers. Nations around the world, like Canada, Australia, and many others, have a merit-based immigration system. "It's a basic principle that those seeking to enter a country ought to be able to support themselves financially. Yet, in America, we do not enforce this rule, straining the very public resources that our poorest citizens rely upon. "According to the National Academy of Sciences, our current immigration system costs American taxpayers many billions of dollars a year. Switching away from this current system of lower-skilled immigration, and instead adopting a merit-based system, we will have so many more benefits. It will save countless dollars, raise workers' wages, and help struggling families, including immigrant families, enter the middle class. And they will do it quickly, and they will be very, very happy, indeed." |
The then-new President concluded the immigration-related portion of his Address by setting out his vision for immigration reform legislation. However, in doing so, he couched it in terms that implied that the current system is insecure and costs American jobs:
"I believe that real and positive immigration reform is possible, as long as we focus on the following goals: To improve jobs and wages for Americans; to strengthen our nation's security; and to restore respect for our laws.
"If we are guided by the well-being of American citizens, then I believe Republicans and Democrats can work together to achieve an outcome that has eluded our country for decades." |
The longest immigration-related passage of the President's First Address to a joint meeting of Congress was devoted to introducing several persons in the House gallery whose loved ones were killed by criminal aliens and announcing the creation of the office within DHS devoted to tracking such crimes.
"We must support the victims of crime,” he said upon introducing this idea. Continuing, he said, “I have ordered the Department of Homeland Security to create an office to serve American victims. The office is called VOICE, Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement. "We are providing a voice to those who have been ignored by our media and silenced by special interests.”
"We must support the victims of crime,” he said upon introducing this idea. Continuing, he said, “I have ordered the Department of Homeland Security to create an office to serve American victims. The office is called VOICE, Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement. "We are providing a voice to those who have been ignored by our media and silenced by special interests.”
Trump's Second Address to Congress. President Trump's second address to a joint meeting of Congress was actually his first State of the Union Address.
Delivered on January 30, 2018, in the chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives, the President devoted even more words in that Address to the subjects of immigrants and immigration than he did in his first, record-breaking Address. Indeed, in all, 1,013 of hi second Address's 5,146 words were on the two subjects.
The President began the immigration portion of his remarks by talking about criminal aliens but went on to discuss an immigration plan he wanted Congress to take up that included a path to citizenship for some measure of the undocumented population currently living in the United States, stepped up border security and interior immigration practices and policies, a cutback in family-based legal immigration, and elimination of the Diversity Visa program,
With respect to criminal aliens, the President declared that "For decades, open borders have allowed drugs and gangs to pour into our most vulnerable communities. They have allowed millions of low-wage workers to compete for jobs and wages against the poorest Americans. Most tragically, they have caused the loss of many innocent lives."
He pointed to two families he invited to sit in the House gallery whose family members were victimized by six members of the MS-13.street gang and asserted that "Many of these gang members took advantage of glaring loopholes in our laws to enter the country as unaccompanied alien minors.."
Said he about the situation:
Delivered on January 30, 2018, in the chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives, the President devoted even more words in that Address to the subjects of immigrants and immigration than he did in his first, record-breaking Address. Indeed, in all, 1,013 of hi second Address's 5,146 words were on the two subjects.
The President began the immigration portion of his remarks by talking about criminal aliens but went on to discuss an immigration plan he wanted Congress to take up that included a path to citizenship for some measure of the undocumented population currently living in the United States, stepped up border security and interior immigration practices and policies, a cutback in family-based legal immigration, and elimination of the Diversity Visa program,
With respect to criminal aliens, the President declared that "For decades, open borders have allowed drugs and gangs to pour into our most vulnerable communities. They have allowed millions of low-wage workers to compete for jobs and wages against the poorest Americans. Most tragically, they have caused the loss of many innocent lives."
He pointed to two families he invited to sit in the House gallery whose family members were victimized by six members of the MS-13.street gang and asserted that "Many of these gang members took advantage of glaring loopholes in our laws to enter the country as unaccompanied alien minors.."
Said he about the situation:
""Tonight, I am calling on the Congress to finally close the deadly loopholes that have allowed MS-13, and other criminals, to break into our country. We have proposed new legislation that will fix our immigration laws, and support our ICE and Border Patrol Agents, so that this cannot ever happen again.
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Continuing, the President declared:
"So tonight, I am extending an open hand to work with members of both parties — Democrats and Republicans — to protect our citizens of every background, color, religion, and creed. My duty, and the sacred duty of every elected official in this chamber, is to defend Americans — to protect their safety, their families, their communities, and their right to the American Dream. Because Americans are dreamers too."
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With regard to immigration reform, the President noted "a detailed proposal" that he had put forth, asserting that his plan has four pillars.
Said he of the plan:
Said he of the plan:
"The first pillar of our framework generously offers a path to citizenship for 1.8 million illegal immigrants who were brought here by their parents at a young age — that covers almost three times more people than the previous administration. Under our plan, those who meet education and work requirements, and show good moral character, will be able to become full citizens of the United States.
"The second pillar fully secures the border. That means building a wall on the Southern border, and it means hiring more heroes like CJ to keep our communities safe. Crucially, our plan closes the terrible loopholes exploited by criminals and terrorists to enter our country — and it finally ends the dangerous practice of “catch and release.” "The third pillar ends the visa lottery — a program that randomly hands out green cards without any regard for skill, merit, or the safety of our people. It is time to begin moving towards a merit-based immigration system — one that admits people who are skilled, who want to work, who will contribute to our society, and who will love and respect our country. "The fourth and final pillar protects the nuclear family by ending chain migration. Under the current broken system, a single immigrant can bring in virtually unlimited numbers of distant relatives. Under our plan, we focus on the immediate family by limiting sponsorships to spouses and minor children. This vital reform is necessary, not just for our economy, but for our security, and our future." |
The Democratic Response. Ever since the presidency of Richard M. Nixon, the major television networks have permitted the party out of power the opportunity to deliver a video response to presidents when they make prime time addresses to Congress.
Abrams has said that she will use the platform to "deliver a vision for prosperity and equality, where everyone in our nation has a voice and where each of those voices are heard."
Abrams spoke of immigration during her unsuccessful 2016 gubernatorial campaign, expressing opposition to the immigration policies of the Trump Administration. And she opposed legislation pushed by the immigration restrictionist community while in the Georgia legislature..
During her 2016 gubernatorial campaign, Abrams penned an open letter to the immigrant community in Georgia;
Abrams spoke of immigration during her unsuccessful 2016 gubernatorial campaign, expressing opposition to the immigration policies of the Trump Administration. And she opposed legislation pushed by the immigration restrictionist community while in the Georgia legislature..
During her 2016 gubernatorial campaign, Abrams penned an open letter to the immigrant community in Georgia;
"You strengthen our state, and you are vital to its future. Your success lifts us all, and I stand with you.
"I talk every day about my mission to build a Georgia where everyone has the freedom and opportunity to thrive. And I want to be clear: I do mean everyone who resides in our state. Nearly one in ten Georgians migrated here from another country. Together, though, we have one of the nation’s strongest economies and a legacy of civil and human rights. When every person in our state is included in Georgia’s progress, our communities and economy grow stronger. "Our mission is to build a state of excellent public schools where we educate children from cradle to career; to expand access to health care; to build a thriving and diverse economy with jobs that create wealth and opportunity; and to support entrepreneurs of all backgrounds to start and grow small businesses. We must do all of this hand in hand with the diverse immigrant communities across our state. "My faith demands that I speak up for the voiceless and the vulnerable – that a soul finds rest only by doing the most for the “least of these.” "My soul rests with those seeking asylum and refuge, with new Americans, naturalized citizens, and all those on the long, arduous path toward citizenship. I know this journey is not easy – but believing in the promise and potential of America, and seeing yourself as a part of its future, is the first step. "My soul rests with those who have made Georgia home – those who took the original promise of the Statue of Liberty, “Mother of Exiles,” to heart – and now fight to hold her promises true for others. "Only then can we make Georgia a better place to live and raise a family – for EVERY family. "For some time, and particularly in the last few years, you have shown incredible strength in the face of brutal attacks. The anti-immigrant rhetoric and actions of this administration are cruel, inhumane, and must be opposed in the strongest terms. "United, we have the power – and the duty – to transform our Georgia for the better. I"n Solidarity," |
It was not known at the time of this writing to what degree she will address immigration during her remarks on Tuesday.