Melania Trump gave a highly personal speech Friday about the “challenges of the immigration process,” even as her husband threatens to make immigration laws even more restrictive if he wins the presidency in 2024.
The former First Lady spoke during a rare public appearance at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., where 25 immigrants were being sworn in as U.S. citizens. Mrs. Trump immigrated from Slovenia and became a naturalized citizen in 2006 — later sponsoring her parents for citizenship as well.
“Throughout our lives we cross thresholds…and obstacles often stand in the way of our goals. We persevere, as we understand that conquering them will provide great access to personal development, fulfillment, and even eventually self-actualization,” she said.
CNN correspondent Kristen Holmes pointed out one passage of Mrs. Trump’s speech that particularly struck her.
“There was also something else she said that I found to be remarkable, and this was it. She said, ‘My personal experience of traversing the challenges of the immigration process opened my eyes to the harsh realities people face, including you, for trying to become a U.S. Citizen. And then, of course, there are the nuances of understanding United States immigration laws.’ Holmes continued:
The reason why this is so remarkable is that it comes at a time when former President Trump is pledging that if re-elected he would make that process even harder. And you could actually hear her walk through all of the hoops that she had to jump through and how she was lucky in certain circumstances to become a naturalized citizen. So, it almost appears in juxtaposition to what her husband has been saying out on the campaign trail.
The New York Times reported on the “extreme expansion” of Donald Trump’s immigration policies for both legal and illegal immigration should he serve a second term. They include “preparing to round up undocumented people already in the United States on a vast scale and detain them in sprawling camps while they wait to be expelled.”
The Times also reported that people currently in the U.S. for “humanitarian reasons” would be kicked out, birthright citizenship for babies born to undocumented parents would end, visas would be revoked for students who participated in anti-Israel protests, and the people who “don’t like our religion” would be prohibited from entering if Trump were to enact his rhetoric into law.
CNN reported that despite these views, “a source close to the former president insisted that he was supportive of [Mrs. Trump’s] decision to take part in the event.”
Watch the clip above via CNN.
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