Trump said immigrant communities would be helped by immigration policies that focus on the interest of American families and American workers.

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“Because Americans are dreamers too,” Trump said, as he promoted both a southern border wall and a pathway to citizenship for 1.8 million illegal immigrants, including those covered by and eligible for DACA protection, known as “Dreamers,” who were brought to the US illegally as children. The president added that those who meet education requirements and show good moral character will become full citizens of the US over a 12-year period.

Trump called for the end of the visa lottery program in exchange for a merit-based system, and an end to chain migration by limiting family reunification to spouses and minor children. On the border enforcement front, he said Congress should end the “horrible and dangerous practice of catch and release.”