President Trump said at a rally on Wednesday evening that new immigrants should not be able to receive welfare benefits for at least five years after coming to the United States.
“That’s why I believe the time has come for new immigration rules which say those seeking admission into our country must be able to support themselves financially and should not use welfare for a period of at least five years,” Trump said during a campaign-style rally at the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Trump said he will be promoting “legislation to that effect very shortly.”
Many immigrants are already barred from applying for certain welfare benefits for their first five years in the U.S. under existing law. Trump didn’t specify any particular federal welfare program.
“Another core principle is that those coming to our country must embrace our values and love our people,” Trump added.
Referring to his famous campaign pledge, Trump said: “And yes, we will build the wall. We have already started planning. It will be built.”
He suggested building it as a “solar wall.”
“So it creates energy,” Trump said. “And pays for itself.”
“And this way, Mexico will have to pay much less money,” Trump said, a reference to his pledge that Mexico will pay for the wall. “And that’s good. Right? Is that good? You are the first group I’ve told that too. A solar wall. It makes sense. Let’s see. We are working it out. Solar wall panels.”
“Pretty good imagination, right?” Trump added. My idea.”
