On Sunday, Senator Bernie Sanders reportedly acknowledged that President Donald Trump was correct in advocating for a crackdown on illegal immigration, particularly in addressing the issue of fentanyl trafficking at the southern border.
Speaking on ABC’s This Week, Sanders stated that the Democrats could have performed better on immigration issues during Joe Biden’s presidency.
When asked by host Jon Karl if there were aspects of Trump’s presidency that he viewed positively, Sanders did not hesitate to cite the efforts to strengthen border security and combat fentanyl.
He remarked, “Nobody thinks illegal immigration is appropriate,” and emphasized the need for comprehensive immigration reform while opposing illegal border crossings.
Karl pressed Sanders on the significant increase in illegal immigration during Biden’s administration, highlighting that little substantive action was taken until the latter part of his term.
Sanders conceded, saying, “Yes, should have done much better. No argument.”
Despite Trump’s hardline stance on immigration contributing to his victory over Biden in the previous election, Sanders pointed to the complexity of immigration issues.
He cautioned against extreme measures, such as Trump’s desire to deport millions of undocumented individuals, arguing that such an approach would harm the economy, as these workers fulfill essential roles in agriculture and other sectors.
Sanders called for varied solutions, including guest worker programs alongside comprehensive immigration reforms.
He reiterated the importance of addressing illegal immigration while recognizing the significant contributions made by undocumented workers.
Through this discussion, Sanders highlighted the need for a balanced approach to immigration that reflects the realities of modern labor needs while also enforcing appropriate immigration policies.
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