Trump frays nerves on both sides of immigration fight – The Hill
Supporters and opponents of increased immigration have something in common: President Trump is making them nervous.
Pro-immigration reform advocates who want to see a pathway to legal status for undocumented workers say they are horrified by the White House's policies.
They argue that Trump is taking a more aggressive approach to deportation that risks breaking up families and that is raising fears within immigrant communities.
Critics of increased immigration who cheered Trump during last year's campaign, on the other hand, are nervous that Trump is failing to keep his promises.
Breitbart, the far-right news site once led by White House chief strategist Stephen Bannon, called Hassett pro-immigration, pro-outsourcing, and said his confirmation will be a win for the corporatist, business-first faction in Trumps White House.
Other appointments made by Trump have left the other side of the immigration debate fuming.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement hired Jon Feere of the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) as an adviser to Acting Director Thomas D. Homan, and Customs and Border Protection hired JulieKirchner of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) as an adviser to Acting Commissioner Kevin McAleenan.
CIS and FAIR are advocacy groups for reduced immigration.
Instead of offering workable solutions to our nations outdated immigration system President Trump, Attorney General Sessions and their anti-immigrant advisors, Jon Feere and Julie Kirchner, only offer blunt force, Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-N.M.), head of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, said in a statement criticizing the hires.
Anti-immigration groups say that despite some reservations, Trump has generally been a step in the right direction particularly from the policies of President Obama.
Ira Mehlman, a spokesman for FAIR, said Trump and Attorney General Jeff SessionsJeff SessionsWhy black and Latino communities must join forces in resisting Trump Sweeping change at DOJ under Sessions Ari Fleischer: Press biased, 'particularly on social issues' MORE have sent a clear indication that they're serious about enforcing immigration laws.
Mehlman also downplayed the importance of Hassletts appointment.
He's got a lot of other people who have advisory positions, cabinet positions, who believe illegal immigration or mass immigration is harmful to a lot of people in this country, he said. I'm not sure that having one person in there with a dissenting opinion is going to change things all that much.
But there is frustration on the right because of the lack of success Trump has had in changing U.S. immigration laws.
We would like to see certainly more in terms of legislation. Most of what has been done to this point is through some form of executive action, but that can only go so far and won't outlast the administration, Mehlman said.
Roy Beck, president of NumbersUSA, an organization that promotes reduced immigration levels, said he has some real praise for Trump's immigration policy. But Beck said focus on the wall has detracted from E-Verify, an existing program that requires employers to check new hires against a federal database to determine whether they can legally work in the United States.
The administration is not putting out any signals that I can see about E-Verify. And the indications are that the majority of new illegal immigrants in this country are visa overstayers, so it has nothing to do with the border, Beck said.
E-Verify is currently only mandatory for bigger companies and government agencies, but proponents of making the program mandatory for every hire say it could take away the top incentive to come to the country illegally.
On the campaign trail, Trump promised to do away with the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which gives undocumented immigrants who were brought to the country as children a work permit and temporary protection from deportation.
Trump has somewhat softened his stance on the Obama-era program since the election, allowing it to remain on the books.
Pro-immigrant groups say Trump continues to target immigrant communities.
They say that DACA could be wiped out any day, and that the personal information given to the government by applicants to the program could be used to find and deport them.
Brent Wilkes, CEO of the League of United Latin American Citizens, the country's oldest Hispanic civil rights organization, was unsparing in his criticism of Trump.
He's going out of his way to do what's not in the country's interest but what appeals to white nationalists on immigration, he said.
It seems he's declared open season on immigrants. It's deeply concerning, very troubling and unfortunately doesn't take into account the effect on real people.
Wilkes does express optimism over the fact that DACA has survived, something disappointing to anti-immigration groups. They say they will put pressure on Trump to end the program.
We have gone to our members to tell the administration they're very disappointed on the broken promise on DACA, said Beck.
Mehlman and Beck both said they were being patient with the new administration.
We're still waiting to see how things emerge. He has made reasonable efforts through his use of power as president to move things along, Mehlman said.
Overall, I'd say I'd give the administration a B on immigration, said Beck.
Read this article:
Trump frays nerves on both sides of immigration fight - The Hill
- Dairys Last Shot: Why Industry Leaders Are Demanding Action on Immigration Reform - Dairy Herd - February 27th, 2026 [February 27th, 2026]
- Amid DHS funding cuts, is meaningful immigration reform possible? - Connecticut Public - February 27th, 2026 [February 27th, 2026]
- Local opinion: Real immigration reform is needed now - Arizona Daily Star - February 27th, 2026 [February 27th, 2026]
- Immigration Reform News February 22, 2026 - America's Voice - February 26th, 2026 [February 26th, 2026]
- Indiana House passes Trump admin-approved immigration reform. Opponents fear it will embolden ICE - IndyStar - February 14th, 2026 [February 14th, 2026]
- DHS partial shutdown looms tonight after immigration reform stalemate - Honolulu Star-Advertiser - February 14th, 2026 [February 14th, 2026]
- Bishop prepares to take immigration reform advocacy directly to the nation's capital - Rhode Island Catholic - February 14th, 2026 [February 14th, 2026]
- Letters: The US Senate worked on immigration reform in 2023. Donald Trump killed the bill. - Chicago Tribune - February 14th, 2026 [February 14th, 2026]
- Congress ICE debate a perfect opportunity for immigration reform - Farm Progress - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Fedor: After ICE Overreach, Congress Should Pass Major Immigration Reform - Twin Cities Business - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Trump must lead U.S. to real immigration reform - New York Daily News - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Is the Time Finally Right for Real Immigration Reform? - The Dispatch - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Where is immigration reform? - Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Is the time finally right for real immigration reform? - The Washington Post - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Rosie Perez Says US Needs Immigration Reform but ICE Goes Too Far: Ive Been Crying All Day | Video - TheWrap - February 11th, 2026 [February 11th, 2026]
- Demonstrators march through Montrose in "ICE out of Houston" protest for immigration reform - FOX 26 Houston - February 2nd, 2026 [February 2nd, 2026]
- Spains immigration reform offers hope to asylum seekers and workers without papers - Washington Times - February 2nd, 2026 [February 2nd, 2026]
- Archbishop Bernard Hebda: A Call for Prayer and Real Immigration Reform (Morning Air) - Relevant Radio - February 2nd, 2026 [February 2nd, 2026]
- Letter to the editor: We need the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006 (S.2611) - The Daily Cardinal - February 2nd, 2026 [February 2nd, 2026]
- Minnesota archbishop: 'Comprehensive immigration reform now' amid 'battleground' on the streets - therecordnewspaper.org - January 24th, 2026 [January 24th, 2026]
- As a witness, I can say our immigration reform is the worst of the worst | Opinion - kentucky.com - January 24th, 2026 [January 24th, 2026]
- Mahopac school board member, and ICE deportation officer, being asked to resign by Hudson Valley Patriots for Immigration Reform - abc7ny.com - January 24th, 2026 [January 24th, 2026]
- Prayer Vigil Held in Perry Square for Immigration Reform - Erie News Now - January 11th, 2026 [January 11th, 2026]
- Flanders goes live with end-to-end digital Single-Permit portal, capping 2026 immigration reform - VisaHQ - January 11th, 2026 [January 11th, 2026]
- Jersey Kebab Operator Detained By ICE Fights For NJ Immigration Reform - Patch - January 11th, 2026 [January 11th, 2026]
- Trump shut down the border. Now can we pass comprehensive immigration reform? - Houston Chronicle - December 31st, 2025 [December 31st, 2025]
- Numbers USA Gives Florida a 'C' Grade on Immigration Reform - Floridian Press - December 31st, 2025 [December 31st, 2025]
- 2025 Year in Review: The road to immigration reform - Cayman Compass - December 31st, 2025 [December 31st, 2025]
- The Week: Immigration Reform, Burnham And The Budget - BBC - November 24th, 2025 [November 24th, 2025]
- Archbishop Gomez: Lets seize the moment for real immigration reform - Angelus News - November 18th, 2025 [November 18th, 2025]
- Immigration Reform News November 17, 2025 - America's Voice - November 18th, 2025 [November 18th, 2025]
- Rep. Mara Salazar says immigration reform should bring undocumented workers "out of the shadows" - CBS News - November 18th, 2025 [November 18th, 2025]
- Farmers push for immigration reform in wake of raids - Ventura County Star - November 18th, 2025 [November 18th, 2025]
- Rep. Mara Salazar says immigration reform should bring undocumented workers "out of the shadows" - Yahoo - November 18th, 2025 [November 18th, 2025]
- Farmers say legal migrants are crucial to Idaho's economy and immigration reform is needed to retain workforce - East Idaho News - November 16th, 2025 [November 16th, 2025]
- How to Navigate Immigration Reform and Enforcement on the Jobsite - National Association of Home Builders | NAHB - November 3rd, 2025 [November 3rd, 2025]
- Gallego Speaks on Immigration Reform at American Business Immigration Coalition - Senator Ruben Gallego (.gov) - October 24th, 2025 [October 24th, 2025]
- Cayman Islands government releases sweeping immigration reform bill - Jamaica Gleaner - October 23rd, 2025 [October 23rd, 2025]
- Cayman Islands releases sweeping immigration reform bill - Jamaica Observer - October 21st, 2025 [October 21st, 2025]
- Immigration Reform News October 17, 2025 - America's Voice - October 19th, 2025 [October 19th, 2025]
- Government releases sweeping immigration reform bill - Cayman Compass - October 19th, 2025 [October 19th, 2025]
- Farm and business coalition pushes immigration reform to retain skilled ag workers - Brownfield Ag News - October 15th, 2025 [October 15th, 2025]
- Takaichis victory delays Japans reckoning with immigration reform - East Asia Forum - October 13th, 2025 [October 13th, 2025]
- New Border Crossing Numbers are a Blast from the Past - Federation for American Immigration Reform - October 11th, 2025 [October 11th, 2025]
- James Talarico Pushes Faith-Based Progressive Agenda With Immigration Reform and Texas Working-Class Outreach - Azat TV - October 7th, 2025 [October 7th, 2025]
- Commentary: Congresswomen unite for immigration reform and show us the statesmanship thats possible - The Daily Gazette - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- High-Skilled Immigration Reform Efforts in the 119th Congress - Reddy Neumann Brown PC - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- Vietnam Unveils Major Immigration Reform: Visa-Exemption Certificates Now Processed In Just One Day To Support Explosive Tourism Growth - Travel And... - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- John T. Shaw: Congresswomen unite for immigration reform and show us the statesmanship thats possible - Chicago Tribune - September 30th, 2025 [September 30th, 2025]
- Rep. Dexter urges immigration reform after Portland mother and children held for 12 days - KGW - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- FAIR: Presidents Executive Actions Should Be the First Step in Immigration Overhaul that Serves the National Interest - Federation for American... - September 21st, 2025 [September 21st, 2025]
- Mass Immigration Amplifies Threat Posed to America by Mainland China - Federation for American Immigration Reform - September 19th, 2025 [September 19th, 2025]
- UK immigration reform: implications, unintended consequences and the need for strategic policymaking going forward - Electronic Immigration Network - September 17th, 2025 [September 17th, 2025]
- Anniversary of immigration reform raises questions about Americas refuge role by Wayne Dawkins - Richmond Free Press - September 15th, 2025 [September 15th, 2025]
- China: How Americas Biggest Adversary is Weaponizing the U.S. Immigration System - Federation for American Immigration Reform - September 13th, 2025 [September 13th, 2025]
- The unintended consequences of immigration reform - Arizona Capitol Times - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- Is there a chance of immigration reform being passed? - Manhattan Times News - September 5th, 2025 [September 5th, 2025]
- OPINION: A case for immigration reform during the Trump Administration - yahoo.com - September 5th, 2025 [September 5th, 2025]
- OPINION: A case for immigration reform during the Trump Administration - El Paso Times - September 3rd, 2025 [September 3rd, 2025]
- Letter to the Editor: Compassionate immigration reform needed - Daily Local - August 27th, 2025 [August 27th, 2025]
- North County Report: An Unexpected Push for Federal Immigration Reform - Voice of San Diego - August 27th, 2025 [August 27th, 2025]
- Lincoln Bishop urges dignity, immigration reform amid plans for McCook ICE detention facility - KOLN | Nebraska Local News, Weather, Sports | Lincoln,... - August 24th, 2025 [August 24th, 2025]
- FAIR Expands Its Impact by Adding Litigation and Investigations Divisions - Federation for American Immigration Reform - August 22nd, 2025 [August 22nd, 2025]
- Immigration reform meets primary care: How the Dignity Act of 2025 could help ease the workforce shortage - Medical Economics - August 20th, 2025 [August 20th, 2025]
- PD Editorial: America needs immigration reform more than ever - The Press Democrat - August 18th, 2025 [August 18th, 2025]
- Escondido City Council approves letter to Congress calling for immigration reform - 10News.com - August 14th, 2025 [August 14th, 2025]
- A six-pillar blueprint: The Catholic Churchs plan for humane immigration reform - Milwaukee Independent - August 7th, 2025 [August 7th, 2025]
- Shifting Priorities Around Exploitation for the Sake of Immigration Reform - The Source Weekly - Bend, Oregon - August 7th, 2025 [August 7th, 2025]
- Wenski: Pivot to immigration reform, not Alcatraz camps, now the border is secure - OSV News - August 6th, 2025 [August 6th, 2025]
- Is there a chance of immigration reform being passed? - el-observador.com - August 3rd, 2025 [August 3rd, 2025]
- Bipartisan bill offers meaningful immigration reform that could help address senior living workforce needs, leaders say - McKnight's Senior Living - August 1st, 2025 [August 1st, 2025]
- US bishops: Bipartisan collaboration on immigration reform is absolutely necessary - CatholicVote org - August 1st, 2025 [August 1st, 2025]
- Immigration and the physician shortage: Physicians can help drive immigration reform - Medical Economics - July 30th, 2025 [July 30th, 2025]
- There has to be a better way: CA Senator Alex Padilla to introduce immigration reform legislation - KGET.com - July 28th, 2025 [July 28th, 2025]
- Arizona congressman calls for comprehensive immigration reform after attempted visit to Kelly Yu - KTAR News 92.3 FM - July 27th, 2025 [July 27th, 2025]
- America can have ICE raids or immigration reform. Its up to Trump and the GOP | Opinion - Sacramento Bee - July 27th, 2025 [July 27th, 2025]
- There has to be a better way: CA Senator Alex Padilla to introduce immigration reform legislation - Yahoo Home - July 27th, 2025 [July 27th, 2025]
- Press Release: Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren and House Representatives Reintroduce Immigration Reform Amid Ongoing Raids - Quiver Quantitative - July 27th, 2025 [July 27th, 2025]
- Press Release: House Representatives Reintroduce Immigration Reform Bill Led by Jess "Chuy" Garca - Quiver Quantitative - July 27th, 2025 [July 27th, 2025]
- Can a lawmaker be fully MAGA and still push for immigration reform? Meet Maria Elvira Salazar - Newsweek - July 24th, 2025 [July 24th, 2025]