Elections

Here’s How Trump Will Make Mexico Pay For The Wall — In Three ‘Easy’ Steps

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Christian Datoc Senior White House Correspondent
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Donald Trump on Tuesday expanded his plan to fix the immigration system.

Back in August, Trump’s campaign released a detailed plan to curb illegal immigration, which included ending birthright citizenship. But in a memo sent to the Washington Post, Trump specifically outlined “several ways to compel Mexico to pay” for the proposed border wall. (RELATED: Trump Releases Immigration Plan, Including Ending Birthright Citizenship)

Trump states that Section 326 of the Patriot Act — “the know your customer provision” — forces banks and private lenders to “demand identity documents before opening accounts or conducting financial transactions.”

Basically, Trump looks to block the $24 billion a year Mexican nationals — who live and work in the United States — electronically transfer or wire to their families back home.

“It’s an easy decision for Mexico,” Trump explained. “Make a one-time payment of $5-10 billion to ensure that $24 billion continues to flow into their country year after year.”

The memo listed the three specific actions the Trump Administration would take to reach that goal:

  • On day 1 promulgate a “proposed rule” (regulation amending 31 CFR 130.121 to redefine applicable financial institutions to include money transfer companies like Western Union, and redefine “account” to include wire transfers. Also include in the proposed rule a requirement that no alien may wire money outside of the unless the alien first provides a document establishing his lawful presence in the United States.
  • On day 2 Mexico will immediately protest. They receive approximately $24 billion a year in remittances from Mexican nationals working in the United States. The majority of that amount comes form illegal aliens. It serves as de facto welfare for poor families in Mexico. There is no significant social safety net provided by the state in Mexico.
  • On day 3 tell Mexico that if the Mexican government will contribute $_ billion to the United States to pay for the wall, the Trump Administration will not promulgate the final rule, and the regulation will not go into effect. 

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