In a striking move during a recent victory speech in Iowa, President Donald Trump proposed a controversial semi-amnesty for illegal workers in key industries including hotels, restaurants, and farms. He was quick to note, however, that any implementation would require the approval of a deeply fractured Congress.
“We’re working on legislation right now,” Trump declared, skillfully navigating the waters between supportive business leaders and hardline pro-deportation constituents, addressing both the economic implications of illegal immigration as well as the imperative of law enforcement in the forthcoming 2026 elections.
However, this idea was met with swift backlash from his base. Conservative commentator Daniel Horowitz astutely questioned the efficacy of a massive funding increase for immigration enforcement if only a select group of deportations—specifically those with criminal histories—were pursued. He stated, “What’s the point of throwing a quadrillion dollars at ICE if we only go after those with criminal records?”
Attuned to the sentiments of his supporters, a representative from the Immigration Accountability Project emphasized, “Americans did not vote for amnesty. We voted for mass deportations. Amnesty is NEVER the answer.”
As indicated by ALIPAC, a grassroots anti-amnesty organization that has effectively thwarted past amnesty efforts, Trump’s proposal could significantly alienate his core supporters. Founder William Gheen warned, “If Trump keeps promoting this plan to change or skirt existing immigration laws… his approval ratings among his base will collapse.”
This grassroots sentiment was further amplified by Trump’s comments on Fox just prior to his Iowa speech, where he suggested, “I’m on both sides of the thing,” mentioning a plan for a “temporary pass” for migrant laborers.
While acknowledging the challenges posed by President Biden’s reckless mass migration, Trump demanded accountability from employers, stating, “The farmers will be responsible, and then if the farmers don’t do a good job, we’ll throw them the hell out of the country.”
This keen observation about labor management highlighted the ongoing pressure from those in the agricultural sector who rely on cheap labor, counterbalancing the job security and wage increase concerns of American workers that Trump highlighted during his speech.
Despite the contention surrounding his remarks on temporary worker programs, Trump conveyed a need for compromise, asking his audience, “Now, serious radical right people, who I also happen to like a lot, may not be quite as happy, but they’ll understand, won’t they?”
In emphasizing the economic benefits derived from his administration’s policies, Trump noted that Americans are experiencing job growth and wage increases as companies adapt to a labor market with fewer illegal immigrants.
Yet, by hinting at potential legislative changes without fully addressing the opposition he faces from both Democrats and segments within his own party, Trump is treading on thin ice. His proposed approach could easily backfire if significant concessions are made that would jeopardize American workers’ wages.
Trump ended his speech with bold assurances, “We’re going to do something — I think that’s going to be good,” but the road to accomplishing meaningful immigration reform is fraught with political obstacles. Without a strong stance against illegal migration and a commitment to American workers, his administration risks losing the very support that brought him to power.
