Democrats Call Out Melania Trump’s Immigration Pathway

Donald Trump makes remarks during his Election Night Watch Party

President Donald Trump's deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller has long focused on America’s immigration issues. Miller noted that mistakenly deported Salvadoran national Kilmar Abrego Garcia is not American, arguing specifically that he is “not a ‘Maryland man,’” a title used by numerous media outlets. Such statements have drawn Democrats into a politically unfavorable debate by portraying Abrego Garcia as “other” and associating him with negative stereotypes like gang membership.

In this photo gallery, we analyze the Trump administration's stance.

Donald J. Trump signs an official nomination document along with Melania Trump

To counter the individual-focused narrative pushed by Republicans, Democrats have broadened the discussion to include Trump’s inner circle. First Lady Melania Trump entered the U.S. on a tourist visa, later obtaining work visas and a green card. She sponsored her parents for their green cards, leading to their naturalization.

Donald Trump takes the oath of office, while standing with Melania Trump

Similarly, Second Lady Usha Vance’s parents immigrated from India, and FBI Director Kash Patel’s parents fled Uganda, illustrating diverse immigrant backgrounds within the administration.

Usha Vance takes the stage with her sons during the inauguration

Trump has expressed a desire to include “homegrown criminals” in deportation efforts, raising concerns about loose definitions of crime that could affect large numbers of people. He recently criticized the media for its seeming support of Abrego Garcia's return to the U.S.

Kash Patel, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation

Trump said, “Just so you understand, the person that you’re talking about, you know, you’re making this person sound — this is a MS-13 gang member, a tough cookie, been in lots of skirmishes, beat the hell out of his wife, and the wife was petrified to even talk about him, OK? This is not an innocent, wonderful gentleman from Maryland.”

President Donald Trump greets a Border Patrol agent

When asked if he would use his power to push for Abrego Garcia's retrieval, Trump said, “And if he were the gentleman that you say he is, I would do that. But he’s not.”

President Donald Trump exits Air Force One

Journalist Terry Moran said, “You’re the president. But the buck stops in this office.”

Donald and Melania Trump stand in front of members of the media after casting their votes

Trump said, “No, no, no, no. I follow the law. You want me to follow the law? If I were the president that just wanted to do anything, I’d probably keep him right where he is.”

John Baker covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.