Immigration has been the foundation of Donald Trump’s campaign from the very start. He made headlines after proclaiming that he would build a wall to separate the U.S. from Mexico, and he was criticized for his offensive comments that called Mexicans “rapists.”
Now, Trump is changing his tune – and his supporters aren’t happy.
The Republican nominee signaled that he was open to the idea of allowing illegal immigrants to remain in the country provided they paid “back taxes.” His comments were aligned with views from Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush, who Trump attacked for being too soft on immigration.
Trump’s shift on his immigration stance may help lure in voters who are still on the fence.
During an interview with Fox News, Trump hinted that he would be open to creating a path for legal status, but would not grant citizenship.
“No citizenship. They’ll pay back taxes. They have to pay taxes,” Trump said. The Republican nominee said he would provide no amnesty, but he would work with illegal immigrants.
But after the Town Hall event, Trump’s aides said he has not changed his stance on immigration.
On Thursday at a rally in New Hampshire, Trump reverted back to his strong immigration stance, once again claiming that he would build a wall. Trump has said in the past that he uses that line when he feels the audience is losing its energy.
Trump’s back-and-forth on immigration anger and alienate both his loyal supporters and those who are still on the fence about who they will vote for in November’s election.
