Indian-American entrepreneur-turned-politician Vivek Ramaswamy backs President-elect Donald Trump’s hardline stance on illegal immigration and calls for reforms in the legal immigration system
Support for Mass Deportation Plan
Vivek Ramaswamy, a prominent Indian-American and a key advisor to President-elect Donald Trump, has expressed his support for Trump’s ambitious plan to deport millions of undocumented immigrants from the United States. In recent interviews, Ramaswamy emphasized that those who broke the law to enter the U.S. should not be allowed to stay, arguing that the first step toward addressing the immigration issue is to restore a sense of legal order.
Speaking to ABC News, Ramaswamy remarked, “Do we have a broken legal immigration system? Yes, we do. But I think the first step is going to be to restore the rule of law, to do it in a very pragmatic way.” He further stated that individuals who entered the country in recent years, and have not established strong roots, should be required to leave, especially those who have committed crimes. “That alone would be the largest mass deportation,” he said, adding that ending government assistance for undocumented immigrants would likely lead to voluntary, or “self-deportations.”
Discussing Future Role in Trump Administration
Since Trump’s surprising win in the November 5 presidential election, Ramaswamy has emerged as a staunch ally of the president-elect, transitioning from a primary season opponent to a key supporter. Ramaswamy hinted that he is in discussions about potentially taking on an influential role in the new administration, though he did not elaborate on specific positions. “I am having some ‘high impact’ discussions on my future role within the administration and Congress,” he told ABC News.
Shift to a Multi-Ethnic, Working-Class Coalition
Ramaswamy emphasized the Republican Party’s evolution under Trump, highlighting its increasing appeal to diverse demographics, including Black, Hispanic, and young voters. He described the current Republican coalition as a “multi-ethnic working-class coalition” united around core values like free speech, anti-censorship, meritocracy, and a strong national defense.
“You saw Black voters, Hispanic voters, young voters come together on basic principles that weren’t tied to old Republican orthodoxies,” he said, citing Trump’s appeal to a broader, younger demographic. Ramaswamy believes that this shift has created a stronger, more resilient coalition dedicated to what he called “basic constitutional principles.”
Reforming the “Deep State” and Restoring Self-Governance
One of the central themes in Ramaswamy’s remarks was Trump’s commitment to dismantling the so-called “deep state” and reestablishing government accountability to the American people. Ramaswamy argued that unelected bureaucrats have, for too long, wielded disproportionate influence over policy decisions, a phenomenon he believes Trump is uniquely suited to address.
“Donald Trump is going to be the president of the United States in the real sense of that word,” Ramaswamy said. He described Trump as a leader who will genuinely execute the democratic will of the people, rather than deferring to entrenched bureaucratic interests. According to Ramaswamy, this vision resonates with a wide array of voters, including former Democrats, independents, libertarians, and traditional Republicans, who share a desire for greater governmental transparency and accountability.
Message to Democrats: Give Trump a Chance
In a notable appeal to Democrats, Ramaswamy encouraged those skeptical of Trump to reconsider, suggesting that they might benefit from his policies in ways they hadn’t anticipated. “My message to Democrats out there, even those who didn’t vote for Donald Trump, is to give him a chance to actually make your life better,” he said. Ramaswamy believes that many Americans who have previously viewed Trump unfavorably will find themselves positively surprised by tangible improvements in areas like job security, lower costs of living, and a stronger national border.
“A lot of people across the country, even those who have bought into some false narratives about Donald Trump, are going to be pleasantly surprised,” Ramaswamy added, expressing confidence that Trump’s policies would lead to higher paychecks, decreased inflation, and enhanced border security—issues he believes resonate across party lines.
The Future of U.S. Immigration: Restoring the “Broken” System
Ramaswamy didn’t hold back in his criticism of America’s legal immigration system, which he characterized as fundamentally flawed. While he declined to outline specific changes, he stressed the need for pragmatic reforms to ensure a more secure and streamlined immigration process. According to Ramaswamy, fixing this “broken” system will be critical in establishing a fair approach to both legal and illegal immigration in the coming years.
As the Trump administration prepares to take office, immigration policy is likely to be a top priority. Ramaswamy’s comments underscore a vision of immigration reform rooted in strict law enforcement, minimal government aid for undocumented individuals, and a streamlined legal immigration pathway. The new administration’s approach, Ramaswamy suggested, is aimed not only at addressing illegal immigration but also at making legal immigration more efficient and less bureaucratic.
A New Direction for the Republican Party
Ramaswamy’s comments underscore a broader shift within the Republican Party, as it positions itself as a coalition of diverse, working-class voters who are united by a commitment to what Ramaswamy describes as foundational principles: free speech, anti-censorship, and economic opportunity. He highlighted that this shift is reshaping the party, bringing together people from various backgrounds around shared priorities rather than traditional party doctrines.
In his remarks, Ramaswamy also acknowledged that Trump’s leadership style has evolved since his first term, hinting that the president-elect has learned from past experiences and is prepared to take his policies to “new heights.” He credited Trump with a renewed commitment to uniting Americans, despite political divides, and expressed confidence in his ability to address the needs of all citizens.
Moving Forward with Pragmatism
Ultimately, Ramaswamy’s endorsement of Trump’s immigration policies reflects a pragmatic approach to governance, one that prioritizes enforcement of existing laws and addresses systemic inefficiencies in the U.S. immigration system. He underscored that for America to move forward, restoring order and accountability within the government must take precedence. While Ramaswamy acknowledged the complexities of immigration reform, he expressed optimism that Trump’s policies would create a more efficient and fair system for all.
For millions of Americans, these proposed changes represent a path toward a more orderly immigration process and a government that is accountable to the people it serves. With his backing of Trump’s plans, Ramaswamy has solidified his position as a key figure in the evolving landscape of the Republican Party, signaling that he could play a significant role in shaping policy in the years to come.
Ramaswamy’s remarks on mass deportation and immigration reform highlight the critical issues the incoming administration will address as it takes office. As the new administration’s priorities come into focus, these policies are expected to shape the direction of U.S. immigration, reflecting a more stringent stance on illegal immigration and a commitment to streamlining legal pathways. The Republican Party, with Ramaswamy as a vocal supporter, appears poised to pursue an immigration strategy centered on law enforcement, governmental accountability, and pragmatic reform—a direction that will likely have long-lasting implications for American society.
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