During the second night of the Republican National Convention, the focus was sharply on immigration, with a clear distinction drawn between legal and “illegal” immigrants. Speakers reiterated the GOP’s stance on immigration, emphasizing the importance of following U.S. laws and portraying illegal immigrants as a threat to national safety. This theme aligned closely with former President Donald Trump’s rhetoric, which has been central to Republican campaigns.
Numerous speakers highlighted their own immigrant backgrounds as examples of the American dream achieved through legal means. Vivek Ramaswamy, a former GOP nominee, emphasized that success in America is earned through character and adherence to the rule of law. He pledged to secure the southern border immediately, echoing Trump’s promise to crack down on illegal immigration.
GOP Emphasizes Immigration Stance and Law Enforcement at RNC
Ramaswamy and other speakers, including Hung Cao from Virginia, criticized illegal immigrants for breaking the law, while simultaneously championing the opportunities available to legal immigrants who respect American culture and laws. Cao, himself an immigrant from Vietnam, stressed the importance of embracing American values and condemned illegal aliens who do not integrate into American society.
The speeches also focused on enforcing immigration laws rigorously under Republican leadership. Rep. Jim Banks of Indiana promised secure borders and pledged that those who arrived illegally during the Biden administration would be sent back under Trump’s policies. This commitment to strict immigration enforcement resonated strongly with the convention attendees, who responded with enthusiastic applause.
Kari Lake, a Senate candidate from Arizona, amplified these sentiments by accusing Democrats of relinquishing control of the border to drug cartels and misleadingly claiming that illegal immigration has led to increased crime and drug-related deaths. Her rhetoric echoed Trump’s warnings about border security and highlighted the Republican strategy to portray themselves as the party of law and order on immigration issues.
The second night of the Republican National Convention underscored the party’s staunch stance on immigration, contrasting legal pathways to the U.S. with illegal entry and emphasizing the rule of law as foundational to American identity and security.
