Immigration Reform News 2015: Donald Trump Continues Anti-Immigrant Rhetoric at Phoenix Event
Donald Trump took to the stage at the Phoenix Convention Center on Saturday to discuss U.S. immigration policy. He also spoke at length about his intentions to maintain his stance on immigration.
Trump proceeded to raise spirits for some and eyesbrows for others as he took rapid jabs at fellow Republican Presidential hopeful Jeb Bush, President Barack Obama's administration and the media. The real estate mogul professed his love for legal immigration, while simulnameously slamming the Mexican government for "pushing" criminals and undesirables out of their nations into the U.S., where they then fill U.S. jail cells.
To slow illegal immigration, Trump suggested charging Mexican government $100,000 each time someone crosses illegally. This suggestion comes less than a month after Trump claimed that Mexican immigrants were "rapists" and the looming criminal element that floods the U.S. with drugs and crime. To cement this idea, the reality television host introduced Saturday's audience to Jamiel Shaw Sr., whose son, high school student Jamiel Jr., was killed by an undocumented immigrant and gang members in 2008.
At the event, Trump was received by 5,000 of his supporters who cheered wildly for him, even as he told Latinos demonstrators in the attendance, "Don't worry, we'll take our country back." During that hour-long speech, Trump insisted that the media has bent his words, and claimed that he respects Mexican leaders who are "too smart" for American leaders, whom he repeatedly called "stupid." He also claimed that China is laughing at the U.S, and stated, "They have geniuses and we have people who don't have a clue. We have stupid leaders."
Many accuse Trump of creating an atmosphere of hatred toward Mexicans and undocumented immigrants who create economic opportunities for themselves and others in their community. According the Trump, the inpenetrable fence that he plans to construct won't only be used to keep out Mexicans, individuals from the Middle East.
Despite critical reactions from the U.S. Latino community and mainstream America, Trump contines to verbalize his standpoint, overshadowing the GOP with his antics. While there are at least 14 Republicans contending for the most important elected position in the nation, president, Trump is easily the most notorious and talked-about candidate.
In reaction to Trump's statements and antics since June, a number of companies, including ESPN, Univision, NBC and Macy's, have terminated ties with Trump, as to distance themselves from the tidal wave of backlash he's received due to his narrow-minded comments.