Trump touts records on immigration: Top moments of the night

President Donald Trump made illegal immigration a central focus of his address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night, highlighting his administration’s success at the southern border and criticizing the policies of the Biden administration. Here are the top five key moments from his speech:

1. Sharp drop in border encounters: Trump boasted about the significant decrease in encounters at the southern border, citing February’s numbers of just 8,326 compared to 189,913 in February 2024. He credited his administration’s actions, including declaring a national emergency and deploying military and border patrol personnel, for deterring illegal crossings. Trump emphasized that his strong stance on immigration had dissuaded individuals from attempting to enter the country unlawfully.

2. Honoring victims of illegal immigrant crimes: Trump paid tribute to victims of crimes committed by illegal immigrants, including Laken Riley and Jocelyn Nungaray. He announced the renaming of a wildlife sanctuary in Texas in honor of Jocelyn, a young girl who was tragically assaulted and murdered by Venezuelan migrants. Trump also signed the Laken Riley Act, named after the nursing student who lost her life to a Venezuelan immigrant, to ensure that their memories are not forgotten.

3. Criticizing Democrats’ border legislation: Trump criticized Democratic lawmakers for advocating for comprehensive immigration reform as a solution to border security issues. He highlighted the success of his administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration without the need for new legislative measures. Trump suggested that the change in leadership was the key factor in reducing illegal border crossings, dismissing the Democrats’ calls for new laws as unnecessary.

4. Introducing the “gold card” visa: Trump proposed a new visa program, dubbed the “gold card,” which would allow wealthy individuals to purchase a path to U.S. citizenship for $5 million. He described the gold card as a more sophisticated version of the green card, aimed at attracting successful entrepreneurs and job creators to the country. Trump framed the initiative as a way to offset deportation efforts targeting criminals and traffickers, while also generating revenue to reduce national debt.

5. Reimagining immigration policy: Trump outlined his vision for a revamped immigration system that prioritizes merit-based admissions and economic contributions. By targeting high-achieving individuals from around the world, Trump aims to bolster the U.S. workforce and stimulate economic growth. He emphasized the need to balance enforcement measures with welcoming skilled immigrants who can contribute positively to American society.

In conclusion, President Trump’s address underscored his administration’s achievements in curbing illegal immigration and outlined his proposals for reforming the immigration system. By highlighting the stories of victims and championing a new visa program, Trump signaled his commitment to securing the border while attracting talent and investment to the United States. The president’s remarks set the stage for a robust debate on immigration policy and border security moving forward.