Donald Trump Reveals Key Issue Where He Wants to Work With Democrats

President-elect Donald Trump, in an interview aired Sunday, expressed his intention to collaborate with Democrats on a plan to address the status of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and families with mixed immigration statuses during his second term.

DACA, a program for individuals often referred to as Dreamers, requires applicants to have entered the United States before turning 16, lived in the country continuously since June 15, 2007, completed high school or earned a GED, and maintained a clean criminal record. The program provides temporary relief from deportation, work authorization, access to education and health care, and eligibility for a driver’s license. As of March 2023, approximately 578,000 individuals were active DACA recipients, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

In his first post-election interview, Trump told NBC’s Meet the Press host Kristen Welker that he supports allowing DACA recipients to remain in the U.S. "I will work with the Democrats on a plan," Trump said. "Republicans are very open to the dreamers. These individuals came here years ago; many are no longer young and have become successful in various fields, even starting small or large businesses. We need to do something for them."

When pressed by Welker about whether he wants DACA recipients to stay, Trump confirmed, "I do. I want to be able to work something out."

Immigration was a central theme of Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. He has pledged to implement a sweeping immigration agenda upon returning to the White House on January 20, including rebuilding the U.S.-Mexico border wall and ending the catch-and-release policy, which allows apprehended migrants to await court hearings in the U.S. Trump also vowed to carry out the largest mass deportation program in U.S. history.

DACA has faced legal challenges in recent years. A federal judge declared it illegal in 2021, halting new applications but allowing current recipients to renew their status. The Biden administration appealed this decision, with the case currently awaiting resolution.

Trump previously sought to rescind DACA during his first term, but the Supreme Court ruled in 2020 that his administration’s attempt was procedurally improper. The program’s legality remains unresolved, with the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently hearing arguments in a case brought by Republican-led states challenging the policy. While opponents argue DACA imposes financial burdens, the Biden administration contends that these claims are unsubstantiated. Any ruling from the appeals court is expected to be appealed, potentially reaching the Supreme Court.