Donald Trump vs Hillary Clinton on immigration – what the US election 2016 candidates have to say
IMMIGRATION has been one of the defining issues of this US Presidential election.
Donald Trump’s controversial policy proposals have brought the subject to the forefront of the political agenda.
It was during the Republican nominee’s first speech, when he officially launched his White House bid, that he promised to build a wall on the American/Mexican border.
This is another issue in which Trump’s stance is in complete contrast to that of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.
Let’s take a look at the two Presidential frontrunners’ views on the issue.
What is Donald Trump’s stance on immigration?
When the brash billionaire announced his bid for the Presidency he called some Mexican immigrants ‘criminals’ and ‘rapists’.
He vowed to build a ‘great wall’ on the America’s southern border and to make Mexico pay for it.
This is still featured prominently on his campaign website and is considered his signature policy.
Trump later announced plans for a “total and complete shutdown” of Muslim immigration to the US.
Critics on both side of the political divide slammed the policy branding it ‘unconstitutional’ and ‘against American values’.
The property tycoon has since softened his stance and now advocates temporarily banning immigration “from regions that export terrorism and where safe vetting cannot presently be ensured.”
Trump also said he planned to deport all 11 million illegal immigrants from the US and would use a ‘deportation force’ to do so.
But since securing the Republican nomination, the 70-year-old has also softened this stance although he hasn’t ruled out some kind of mass deportation.
What is Hillary Clinton’s stance on immigration?
The Democratic candidate’s policies on this issue have proven far less divisive.
She plans to detain and deport illegal immigrants "who pose a violent threat to public safety.”
The former First Lady has also pledged to accept 65,000 Syrian refugees and give them a “fair chance to tell their stories”.
Clinton also advocates President Obama's stalled proposals which protect undocumented migrants, who meet certain criteria, from deportation.
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