Donald Trump's First TV Ads Paint Issue of Immigration as Problem Only His Hardline Stance Can Fix [WATCH}
In one of his first general election TV ads to hit the airwaves, Donald Trump paints the issue of immigration as a problem that has grown so out of control only someone as hard on the issue as himself can fix it.
Just hours after reflecting in a campaign speech delivered in North Carolina how much he regrets some of the "personal pain" his words and tone may have caused this election season, Trump blisters undocumented immigrants in his latest production.
"In Hillary Clinton's America ... Syrian refugees flood in, illegal immigrants convicted of committing crimes get to stay, collecting social security benefits, skipping the line," a narrator booms over blurred images of apparent criminals.
"It's more of the same, but worse," the narrator adds of the prospect of a Clinton White House., before wrapping "His America is secure. Terrorists and dangerous criminals are kept out. The border secure. Our families safe."
Ads Panned Across Board
Almost immediately, Trump's divisive words have been blasted by those at both ends of the political spectrum.
"Trump's ugly and dishonest new TV ad shows he isn't changing a thing," veteran Republican presidential strategist Rick Wilson lamented in a tweet.
Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton's press secretary, Brian Fallon, took Trump to task over what he viewed as his blatant dishonesty in pushing the untruths voiced in the ads.
"In case you thought for a split-second Trump was genuine about feeling regret, he is back to demonizing immigrants again in his new ad today," Fallon added.
Plans call for the Trump campaign to spend up to $4 million over the next 10 days having the ads aired in the critical states of Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Ohio and Florida.
Claims Unfounded?
The Washington Post instantly blasted Trump's words about undocumented immigrants collecting Social Security benefits under Clinton as false and misleading. In general, people in the United States illegally are only allowed to collect any such benefits after either obtaining legal status or being granted some sort of deferred action status.
And even then, they are required to have worked for at least 10 years, paid taxes and reached retirement age, a system that hardly qualifies as the "skipping the line" scenario Trump touched upon.
The Post also notes immigration reform proposals thus far put forth by Clinton would enforce all immigration laws by focusing resources on detaining and deporting those who "pose a violent threat to public safety."
During his North Carolina stop, Trump characterized some of his prior hardline stances and fiery words as things said "in the heat of debate."
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