Trump signals openness to immigration deal as Democrats take Congress

President Donald Trump indicated on Sunday that he is prepared to negotiate with Democrats on the status of immigrants who have lived in the United States illegally for more than a decade. The comments emerged just as Republicans prepare to cede control of Congress to the Democratic Party in January following their midterm losses.

In an interview with 60 Minutes that aired Sunday night, Trump told host Ross Douthat that he would love to do something on immigration. He described the issue as having both helped and hurt, citing his high approval for border closure and deportations while acknowledging the impact on workers who had committed only the violation of entering illegally.

Trump pointed to individuals working in landscaping, hotels, and restaurants, noting that many pay taxes and are viewed favorably by Americans. He stated that it is a tough situation when these workers are removed from the country. Although he did not use the word amnesty, he signaled a willingness to work a deal for people who have been in the U.S. for 10 to 15 years without other criminal records.

A White House official told Fox News Digital on Monday that the President never said the word amnesty. The official added that the administration wants Democrats to show their cards. The official asserted that no previous president has been stronger on enforcement, claiming that more than 3 million illegal aliens have left the U.S. under Trump's direction. The administration did not clarify on Monday what specific terms a potential deal might include.

The interview was taped before Stephen Miller, a prominent immigration restrictionist, was selected as Trump's new chief of staff. Miller’s appointment had raised expectations of stricter enforcement, making Trump’s comments a shift in tone from his 2024 campaign promises of mass deportations.

Reaction from the conservative base was immediate and divided. Rep. Maria Salazar, R-Fla., praised the remarks on X, stating that they aligned with her Dignity Act. That legislation would grant legal status to people who have been in the U.S. continuously since 2020, provided they pay restitution and back taxes.

Supporters of stricter immigration policy reacted sharply to the interview. Commentator Steve Cortes wrote on X that an amnesty deal would be a greater betrayal than the war in Iran. He included a clip of Trump promising the largest deportation operation in history during a 2024 rally. Radio host Anthony Cumia warned that such a plan guarantees Texas will never again vote Republican. Kelly McCarty, an X personality, argued that any compromise would destroy the Republican Party because voters demanded no exceptions.

The White House declined to rule out working with Democrats on the matter on Monday. The next step in the process will depend on whether Democratic leaders in Congress propose specific legislation for the lame duck session.