Trump's wall may not be built for years, if ever. In the meantime, he has yet to deliver on several other campaign promises that immigration hawks call far more important
President Donald Trump sees his border wall crusade as a base-pleasing 2020 campaign asset, proof that he is the ultimate immigration hardliner.
Instead, Trump has picked high-profile battles over a southern border wall and banning travelers from certain Muslim-majority countries that generated controversy and whipped up parts of his base, but did not do much to stem the flow of illegal immigrants. In fact, the number of illegal crossings at the southern border rose this past fall to levels not seen since 2014 under President Barack Obama, although they still remain low relative to historic numbers.
Often Trump blames this lack of progress on uncooperative Democrats, recalcitrant Republicans and activist judges. But ultimately, the president might bear the blame as the campaign heats up.Sign up for POLITICO Playbook and get the latest news, every morning — in your inbox.By signing up you agree to receive email newsletters or alerts from POLITICO. You can unsubscribe at any time.
“In general, inside the White House, I don’t think there is a recognition of how important those issues are to Trump supporters on the outside,” the official added. “I think there is a belief you can give away the house on amnesty as long as you get the wall in return. That is a foolhardy idea.”
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