During an interview with CNN, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) gave a “hopeful” message to the American people but at the same time issued a stern warning for anyone trying to enter the country illegally.
The Biden-Harris administration has let millions of illegal immigrants into the United States unchecked and the new Trump administration is set to bring back law and order to all of the nations ports and borders “…because that is what is called for.”
The Speaker reiterated the calls from President-elect Donald Trump to deport millions of illegal immigrants currently in the country as well as closing loopholes where foreign nationals try and cheat the system because “the open door is now being closed.”
Speaker Johnson explained to CNN’s Jake Tapper on “State of the Union” the upcoming Republican priorities.
“Do you think that the American people are ready for… if all — whatever it is — 20 million undocumented immigrants are deported, do you think the American people are ready for, not only the tremendous disruption in the workforce — in the economy, I think it’s like 5% of the workforce is undocumented — but also the fact that we’re gonna be seeing images of families separated, people taken out of the communities they’ve lived in for years? Do you think the American people are fully prepared for that?” Tapper asked Johnson.
Johnson viewed his question as a great overstatement because they’re first looking to deport “dangerous persons that we know are here.” President-elect Trump has previously stated his desire to “declare a national emergency,” and “use military assets to reverse the Biden invasion through a mass deportation program.”
“There are criminals, known criminals. There are known terrorists in the country. There are some who have been apprehended, apprehended for committing violent crimes after they have come across the border illegally,” said Speaker Johnson.
“We need to send a message to people around the world that the open door is now being closed and that we are gonna restore law and order. And I think that’s what the American people are very hopeful and expecting that we will deliver upon,” he said. “And we will. And President Trump’s committed to it. He’s the leader to do it.”
Tapper wondered if such a deportation would have negative ramifications on the American economy.
Johnson pushed forward the necessity of legal immigrants and work visas. “We need everybody in this country to follow our laws. I don’t think that’s asking for much and I think that’s what the people want us to get back to.”