President-elect Donald Trump has outlined his vision for major immigration changes in an interview with Meet the Press. His plans include ending birthright citizenship, deporting families with mixed immigration status, and finding a solution for Dreamers, undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.

Ending Birthright Citizenship

Currently, the U.S. grants citizenship to anyone born on its soil, regardless of their parents' immigration status, as part of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. Trump wants to stop this practice, calling it "ridiculous." He plans to end birthright citizenship through an executive order, a move that will likely face legal challenges because it contradicts constitutional protections.

Trump claims that the U.S. is the only country with birthright citizenship, though a review by the Library of Congress shows that over 30 other countries, including Canada and Brazil, also grant this right.

Deporting Undocumented Immigrants

Trump is doubling down on his promise to deport undocumented immigrants. His plan will start with individuals who have committed crimes but will eventually include all undocumented immigrants. However, he has not clarified what kinds of crimes would trigger deportation.

“We have to get the criminals out of our country,” Trump stated, adding that after dealing with criminal offenders, the deportations would expand to others who are undocumented.

Impact on Mixed-Status Families

One of the most controversial aspects of Trump’s plan is how it would affect families with mixed immigration statuses. These families may include children who are U.S. citizens because they were born in the country, while their parents are undocumented.

Trump proposes that such families face two choices: either the undocumented family member leaves the U.S. alone, or the entire family leaves together. “I don’t want to break up families,” Trump said, explaining that deporting families together is his way of keeping them united.

What About Dreamers?

Trump expressed a more compassionate view toward Dreamers, who are undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children and are covered under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Many Dreamers have lived in the U.S. for decades and have established lives, families, and businesses.

“We have to do something about the Dreamers,” Trump said. “They were brought here at a very young age. Many don’t even speak the language of their home countries.” He said he would work with Democrats to create a plan allowing Dreamers to stay legally.

Context and Challenges

Trump’s hardline immigration policies are a continuation of his campaign promises to enforce stricter border control. Deporting families with mixed status and ending birthright citizenship are expected to face significant legal hurdles. Additionally, critics argue that these policies could lead to human rights concerns and logistical challenges in implementation.

Trump’s willingness to negotiate with Democrats on solutions for Dreamers could open the door for bipartisan discussions, but the broader implications of his plans remain highly contentious.