Former President Donald Trump has signaled a shift in his proposed immigration policy, stating that undocumented immigrants without criminal records would not face deportation under a potential second Trump administration.
In a recent interview, Trump clarified that his focus would be on removing individuals with serious criminal histories. “We want to make our country safe. That means going after the criminals — gang members, traffickers, and repeat offenders,” Trump said. “If you’re here peacefully and haven’t broken the law, we’re not going to prioritize you.”
This represents a notable departure from the sweeping immigration crackdowns that characterized much of his first term, where mass deportations and strict enforcement efforts drew both praise and criticism.
Immigrant advocacy groups cautiously welcomed the update but expressed concerns about the lack of legal clarity and potential for broad interpretation by immigration authorities. Meanwhile, some conservative voices within Trump’s base are questioning whether the softened stance goes far enough to address what they see as a crisis at the border.
With immigration likely to be a central issue in the 2024 campaign, Trump’s comments add a new dimension to the ongoing national debate. Whether this policy shift will become official remains to be seen, pending future campaign developments or legislative proposals.
