US President-elect Donald Trump has reasserted his commitment to a very tight immigration policy, promising illegal immigrants will be removed without fail, and even at gunpoint, if possible. Speaking in an interview for Time Magazine’s “Person of the Year,” Trump said he would make other countries accountable for refusing to accept deported persons.
We‘re seeing levels of illegal immigration like never before,” Trump said, declaring he will operate to the fullest extent of the law. “If countries refuse to take back their citizens, we won‘t do business with them. Products from these nations will face significant tariffs, making it difficult for them to trade with the US.”
Trump also promised to utilise the National Guard to help sheriffs and law enforcement officers in executing deportation operations.
Immigration reform has been a major focus of Trump’s campaign, after it was reported that illegal crossings were increasing under President Joe Biden‘s rule. He has proposed a massive deportation operation and appointed Tom Homan as his “border czar” to oversee the operation.
He also vowed to apply a 25% tax on imports from Canada and Mexico, claiming they facilitate illegal migrants and dangerous drugs like fentanyl into the country.
He also indicated he intends to deport families so they will not separate the children from their parents. “I hope we do not need to establish many migrant camps because the idea is fast deportation,” he said.
As a way of acknowledging his resurgence in politics, Trump has been elected Person of the Year 2024 by Time Magazine for the second time in the history of the institution. According to Time, “his comeback of historic proportions“ reshaped American politics and realigned the presidency.
“For reshaping the American presidency, driving a once-in-a-generation political realignment, and altering America‘s global role, Donald Trump is Time‘s 2024 Person of the Year,” wrote Sam Jacobs, Time‘s Editor-in-Chief.
This year, Trump was selected over several notable figures, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Kate, the Princess of Wales.
Trump’s recognition comes as he prepares to assume office in January 2025, with his administration expected to implement sweeping changes to immigration and trade policies.
