Former U.S. Ambassador Criticizes Immigration Policies, Trump’s Support for GOP Bill Unclear

The Trump Administration has been taking extreme measures regarding immigration and foreign policy for the last few months.

Former U.S. ambassador to Mexico, Roberta Jacobson, has publicly criticized the policies. She has stated that they are “un-American.” This comes in tandem with talks between the GOP and the President regarding a bill that would prevent the separation of parents and children at the U.S. border.

During an interview with NPR Weekend Edition, Jacobson stated that: “Unless the administration can address the reasons why migrants from Mexico and Central America are coming to the U.S., no amount of draconian and frankly, un-American policies, as I believe these are, is really going to make a permanent difference, but it may affect our own standing in the world and certainly in the region.”

Jacobson mentioned that during her time working in Mexico, she witnessed approval for the U.S. decrease around thirty percent. This substantial drop in approval could end up damaging the opportunities for cooperation between the United States and Mexico.

Jacobson added: “I think these policies are both wrong but also counterproductive.” She called for a change of policy, as she does not believe that the U.S.’ current policies will help either country.

Controversy has similarly erupted over a new U.S. policy which states that migrants attempting to escape domestic or gang violence in Central America are now unable to ask for asylum in the U.S. Many of those who opted to request for asylum legally will now be unable to do so because of new policies.

The GOP has responded to the criticism of this legislation by drafting an immigration bill that would protect almost two million DACA Dreamers and would eliminate the diversity lottery. The bill would also raise funding for border protection by $25 million.

Paul Ryan stated: “I said before, the last thing I want to do is bring a bill out of here that I know the president won’t support. Well, we have been working hand in glove with the administration on this to make sure we are bringing a bill that represents the president’s four pillars so that we can come together.”

Although Trump has sent confusing and unclear messages regarding the GOP bill, it is stated that he supports it. Trump denied that he would sign the bill in an exchange with Fox News, but the White House soon rushed to clarify the situation by stating that there has been a misunderstanding.

The White House stated: “The President fully supports both the Goodlatte bill and the House leadership bill. In this morning’s interview, he was commenting on the discharge petition in the House, and not the new package.”

Trump’s alleged confusion has raised concerns, as this may indicate that the President has not read the bill carefully.