Trump’s Proposal for Border Patrol Hiring
In a recent rally in Prescott Valley, Arizona, former President Donald Trump announced his intention to strengthen border security under USA immigration law. He pledged to ask Congress to pass legislation hiring 10,000 new border patrol agents. The plan includes a 10% pay raise for current agents and $10,000 signing and retention bonuses. Trump emphasized that the shortage of agents is due to poor treatment and promised immediate action to address this if reelected.
Trump’s Opposition to the Bipartisan Border Bill
Despite his current proposal, Trump opposed a bipartisan bill earlier this year that aimed to bolster border security. The bill, one of the most comprehensive border security measures in decades, proposed hiring 1,500 additional Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents and 1,600 asylum officers. It also aimed to tighten asylum rules and reduce illegal border crossings. However, Senate Republicans, under pressure from Trump, blocked the bill. Trump claimed it would allow more illegal immigrants into the country, calling it an “amnesty bill.”
Harris Criticizes Trump’s Stance on USA Immigration Law
Vice President Kamala Harris, a proponent of the bipartisan bill, criticized Trump for blocking the legislation despite its endorsement by the Border Patrol. Harris’s campaign spokesperson, Matt Corridoni, accused Trump of using immigration issues to run his campaign rather than solving problems. Harris has focused on USA immigration law, making a recent trip to the border and advocating for stricter asylum regulations.
Border Patrol Union Backs Trump’s Plan
The National Border Patrol Council, which represents 16,000 agents, has voiced its support for Trump’s plan. However, the union had previously supported the bipartisan bill that Trump helped block. The union had also endorsed Trump in his previous presidential campaigns.
Immigration and Border Security: Key Issues for Voters
Trump has amplified his anti-immigration rhetoric, even proposing the death penalty for migrants who kill U.S. citizens. Immigration and border security remain critical issues for voters, ranking second in importance in a recent poll. As Trump and Harris prepare for a potential showdown in the next election, their differing approaches to USA immigration law will be a central focus.