Washington:US President Donald Trump has admitted that his administration's stringent deportation policies were 'too tough,' which he believes negatively impacted his party's performance in the midterm elections.
According to Anadolu Agency, Trump expressed in an interview with CBS' 60 Minutes that the immigration crackdown may have gone too far and acknowledged the political repercussions of such actions. He stated, "It was too tough. I think it might be too tough, yeah," adding that this approach ultimately hurt him politically.
The interview took place just hours before it was announced that Stephen Miller, known for his hardline immigration stance, would replace Susie Wiles as the White House chief of staff. Trump also recognized that a significant number of Americans are in favor of allowing immigrants who have unlawfully entered the country but have contributed to society by working and building lives in the US to stay. He suggested the possibility of reaching a compromise with Democrats on immigration policy.
Trump highlighted the challenges of deporting longtime employees in industries such as hotels and restaurants, emphasizing the difficulty faced by individuals who have established lives and careers in the country. Despite acknowledging that some in his administration hold a stricter stance on immigration, Trump indicated a willingness to prioritize the deportation of criminals, violent offenders, and drug dealers while considering different arrangements for immigrants who have lived in the country for many years.