Trump admits deportation drive may have been "too tough", offers immigration deal to Democrats

US President Donald Trump has acknowledged that his administration's deportation drive may have been too harsh, particularly towards undocumented immigrants who had lived and worked in the country for years. He has also expressed willingness to negotiate an immigration agreement with Democrats, including a possible legal status arrangement for some long-term immigrants.

In an interview with CBS News' 60 Minutes, recorded on Friday and broadcast on Sunday, November 8, Trump said his immigration crackdown had both helped and hurt the Republican Party electorally. His remarks came days after Democrats secured control of both chambers of Congress in the November 3 midterm elections, leaving his administration facing a Democratic majority from January.

Asked by 60 Minutes correspondent Ross Douthat whether the deportation policy had gone too far, Trump acknowledged that enforcement measures might have been excessive.


"I think it might be too tough, yeah," he said.

Trump acknowledges impact of deportations on working immigrants

Trump defended his administration's record on border security and the removal of people involved in criminal activities. However, he acknowledged that the crackdown had also affected undocumented immigrants who had jobs and had established lives in the US.

"I think I got an A+ for closing up the border. I get very high marks for getting the bad ones out," Trump said.

He added that the administration had also deported people whose only violation was entering the US illegally, despite subsequently finding employment.

Also read: US midterms: Trump leaves the door ajar for Democrats on immigration

Trump referred specifically to immigrants working in landscaping companies, hotels and other service-sector businesses, saying some Americans believed such workers should be allowed to remain if they were contributing to the economy and, in some cases, paying taxes.

He said public opinion was divided between those who wanted all undocumented immigrants removed and those who believed people with jobs and established lives should be allowed to stay.

Trump open to legal status deal with Democrats

The President suggested that a compromise with Democrats could provide a way forward for some undocumented immigrants who had been living in the country for 10 to 15 years.

When Douthat asked whether an agreement could involve providing some form of legal status to workers in sectors such as landscaping and hospitality, Trump said a deal was possible.

He indicated that his administration would continue to prioritise removing people involved in serious crimes, including killers and drug dealers, while considering arrangements for long-term residents.

"Get the killers out. Get all the rough ones out. Get the drug dealers out. But let the people that are here, and in some cases here for 10 and 15 years, work a deal for them," he said.

Trump also claimed that several Democrats had already approached him about working together on immigration. He specifically referred to newly elected Democratic Senator James Talarico of Texas, who had expressed interest in discussing immigration with the administration.

Asked whether he could work with Democrats without repeatedly insulting them, Trump said he could. When Douthat asked whether he could avoid insulting lawmakers for six months if that helped secure an agreement, the President replied: "Very easily."

Stephen Miller appointment raises questions over immigration approach

Trump's comments have also drawn attention because of his administration's subsequent personnel decision.

On November 6, the White House announced that Stephen Miller would replace Susie Wiles as chief of staff. Miller, who previously served as deputy chief of staff for policy, has been one of the principal architects of Trump's restrictive immigration agenda.

His appointment has raised questions about whether the President's willingness to consider an agreement with Democrats will translate into a change in the administration's enforcement approach.

Trump's interview, however, did not include a formal policy announcement, a proposed timeline or details of any legal status programme. He also did not specify whether such an arrangement would lead to permanent residency or citizenship.

For immigrants living and working in the US without legal status, the remarks indicate a possible willingness to consider alternatives to deportation for some long-term residents. However, they do not change existing immigration rules, deportation procedures or work authorisation requirements.

Any agreement would also require negotiations with Democrats, who are set to take control of Congress in January.