BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Donald Trump made immigration and border security a key plank in his successful campaign for the White House.
This week, Lehigh Valley Political Pulse looks at the issue through a local lens.
Host Tom Shortell, WLVR and LehighValleyNews.com politics reporter, is joined by Chris Borick, Director of Muhlenberg College's Institute of Public Opinion, to discuss themes — including immigration — that are starting to carry over into local races.
Trump "banged the drum on border security" on the campaign trail, and the first bill he signed into law this term mandates the deportation of illegal immigrants convicted of violent crimes and theft, Shortell noted.
But of all the issues facing the nation, why did Republican leadership prioritize this bill?
"Immigration was one of the salient issues," Borick said, and the president's positions about getting tougher on immigration were popular.
"It wasn't surprising that when the president takes office and comes out of the box to start acting, this was one of the very first things that his administration would focus on," he said.
But a crackdown on deportation policies also will bring a shift in the labor market, keeping things like inflation top of mind.
To learn more, watch this week's episode above or click the audio player below to listen.
Related:
Bethlehem mayor, police chief urge against 'welcoming' legislation for immigrants
'The power of the people': Allentown council codifies pro-immigrant policies after marathon meeting
Easton police chief assails welcoming city ordinance as 'beacon' for crime
