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LIZ PEEK: Here’s how Trump can rebound and become one of the presidential greats
Liz Peek argues that Donald Trump could recover politically and strengthen his legacy by changing course on immigration. She says his administration’s success in securing the southern border initially drew broad support, but expansive deportations, including of people with jobs and minor violations, frightened communities and contributed to voters turning against him.
Peek proposes replacing family sponsorship and the diversity visa programme with a skills-based system, similar to Canada’s, while continuing to remove serious criminals and secure the border. She cites polling showing Trump’s immigration approval more than 10 points underwater before the midterm defeat, and notes he previously proposed a merit-based system in 2019.
In short
- Peek says Trump can rebuild support with a fairer immigration policy.
- She argues a skills-based system could prioritise capability.
- Border security and targeted deportations remain part of her proposed approach.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A skills-based system could align immigration with labour-market needs and make the process clearer and more selective, while secure borders and removal of serious criminals address public concerns about enforcement. Replacing family sponsorship and diversity visas may also give the administration a chance to reset after broad deportations frightened communities and weakened support.
The case against
Family sponsorship recognises that families provide care, stability and routes to integration, while diversity visas widen access beyond applicants with sought-after qualifications or employer connections. Replacing both with a skills-first system could narrow immigration’s benefits and fairness; a political rebound would also depend on how policy is implemented, not simply on changing visa categories.
Explained simply
US immigration policy covers who can enter the country, settle there and become a citizen. The southern border with Mexico is a major focus, alongside rules for people already living in the US and seeking permanent residency.
Donald Trump’s administration made border security a central policy, while also pursuing deportations. The system for granting permanent residency includes routes for family members and a diversity visa programme, which allocates visas to people from countries with relatively low levels of immigration to the US.
The debate concerns how to balance border enforcement, removal of people who break immigration laws and routes for people to settle in the country. A skills-based system would give greater weight to applicants’ qualifications and work experience; Canada uses such criteria in parts of its immigration system.