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Fact check: Trump's State of the Union address analyzed Fact check: Trump's State of the Union address analyzed
(35 minutes later)
Live updates: we’re examining Donald Trump’s State of the Union address to determine what’s correct and what’s not correct Alan Yuhas examines key claims in Donald Trump’s State of the Union address and separates fact from fiction
State of the Union – live coverageState of the Union – live coverage
Alan Yuhas in New YorkAlan Yuhas in New York
Wed 31 Jan 2018 03.31 GMTWed 31 Jan 2018 03.31 GMT
First published on Wed 31 Jan 2018 02.42 GMTFirst published on Wed 31 Jan 2018 02.42 GMT
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JobsJobs
Since the election, we have created 2.4 million new jobs, including 200,000 new jobs in manufacturing alone. After years of wage stagnation, we are finally seeing rising wages.Since the election, we have created 2.4 million new jobs, including 200,000 new jobs in manufacturing alone. After years of wage stagnation, we are finally seeing rising wages.
Trump is counting jobs since election day 2016, about two months before he became president. About 1.8m Americans have found jobs since Trump’s inauguration, averaging over 11 months at slowest rate of hiring since 2010. The unemployment rate in December 2017 was 4.1%, a 17-year low around the country and an 18-year low in some cities. He is correct that wages started to rise, in a faltering way, since 2016. Trump is counting jobs since election day 2016, months before he became president. About 1.8m Americans have found jobs since Trump’s inauguration, averaging roughly the slowest rate of hiring since 2010. The unemployment rate in December 2017 was 4.1%, a 17-year low around the country and an 18-year low in some cities. He is correct that wages started to rise a few years ago after years of stasis; the rise also began before he took office.
African America and Hispanic American unemploymentAfrican America and Hispanic American unemployment
African American unemployment stands at the lowest rate ever recorded, and Hispanic American unemployment has also reached the lowest levels in history.African American unemployment stands at the lowest rate ever recorded, and Hispanic American unemployment has also reached the lowest levels in history.
It is true that the unemployment rate for African Americans reached a record low in December 2017, dropping to 6.8% (the previous lows were 7% in April 2000 and September 2017). The unemployment rate for Hispanic Americans is not a record, but close to it, at 4.9% last month; the record is 4.8% in October 2017. Before he was elected and began to cite them, Trump repeatedly derided these unemployment numbers, from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, calling them “fake” and “nonsense”. It is true that the unemployment rate for African Americans reached a record low in December 2017, dropping to 6.8% (the previous lows were 7% in April 2000 and September 2017). The unemployment rate for Hispanic Americans is not a record, but close to it, at 4.9% last month; the record is 4.8% in October 2017. Before he was elected and began to cite them, Trump repeatedly derided unemployment numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, calling them “fake” and “nonsense”.
Whether the president can take credit for these unemployment rates is more complicated, and tied up in the knotty, ambiguous question of how much any president can directly affect the economy, or only indirectly affect it through regulations, stimulus packages, and other measures. Whether the president can take credit for these rates is more complicated, and tied up in the question of how much any president can affect the economy besides indirectly, through regulations, stimulus packages, and other measures.
Unemployment across all demographics declined from 2010 to 2016, during six years of Barack Obama’s presidency. African American unemployment more than halved, from a 16.6% peak in April 2010 to 7.8% in January 2017; Hispanic American unemployment reached similarly fell from 13% in August 2009 to 5.9% in January 2017. Neither president can take sole credit for producing those jobs. Unemployment across all demographics declined from 2010 to 2016, during six years of Barack Obama’s presidency. African American unemployment more than halved, from a 16.6% peak in April 2010 to 7.8% in January 2017; Hispanic American unemployment similarly fell from 13% in August 2009 to 5.9% in January 2017.
Business editor Dominic Rushe adds:
The US added 2.1 million jobs in 2017 and the unemployment rate, at 4.1%, is at a 17-year low. But the major gains in the jobs market were made under Obama who, again, took over during the worst recession since the Great Depression.
The US added 11.48 million jobs under Obama and the unemployment rate, which peaked at 10% in 2009, fell to 4.8%. If this is anyone’s jobs market, it’s still Obama’s. Nor is it as great as the headline numbers suggest. There are still huge numbers of people out of the job market and pockets of deep unemployment in the US. And wage growth, slow under Obama, is still sluggish.
Tax cutsTax cuts
We enacted the biggest tax cuts and reforms in American history. Our massive tax cuts provide tremendous relief for the middle class and small businesses.We enacted the biggest tax cuts and reforms in American history. Our massive tax cuts provide tremendous relief for the middle class and small businesses.
To lower tax rates for hardworking Americans, we nearly doubled the standard deduction for everyone. Now, the first $24,000 earned by a married couple is completely tax-free. We also doubled the child tax credit.
A typical family of four making $75,000 will see their tax bill reduced by $2,000 – slashing their tax bill in half.A typical family of four making $75,000 will see their tax bill reduced by $2,000 – slashing their tax bill in half.
This April will be the last time you ever file under the old broken system – and millions of Americans will have more take-home pay starting next month … We repealed the core of disastrous Obamacare – the individual mandate is now gone. This April will be the last time you ever file under the old broken system – and millions of Americans will have more take-home pay starting next month.
The tax cut signed into law last month is not the largest in American history, but the eighth largest, at about 0.9% of the gross domestic product. In 1981, Ronald Reagan signed the largest cut, at 2.89% of GDP.The tax cut signed into law last month is not the largest in American history, but the eighth largest, at about 0.9% of the gross domestic product. In 1981, Ronald Reagan signed the largest cut, at 2.89% of GDP.
The $1.1tn tax cut will theoretically mean lower taxes for every income bracket in 2019, but it is misleading to suggest that those cuts will last for everyone. The $1.1tn tax cut will mean lower taxes for every income bracket in 2019, but it is misleading to suggest that those cuts will last for everyone.
Over time the cuts disproportionately save money for the wealthiest Americans. Some of the tax cuts phase out in 2025, meaning that by 2027 Americans earning less than $75,000 will see tax increases, while those earning more than $75,000 will see continued savings. More than 75% of the savings will go to people who earn more than $200,000, according to Moody’s, or about 5% of taxpayers. Over time the cuts disproportionately save money for the wealthiest. Some of the tax cuts phase out in 2025, meaning that by 2027 Americans earning less than $75,000 will see tax increases. More than 75% of the savings will go to people who earn more than $200,000, according to Moody’s, or about 5% of taxpayers.
Meanwhile Americans in the top 1% of earners will save hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not millions, through the cuts, according to the Tax Policy Center. The president’s family could save as much as $11m, according to an analysis by the New York Times. The tax plan also eliminated the estate tax, which only affected a few thousand extremely families with extraordinary wealth, and it is expected to add $1tn to the national debt. The top 1% of earners will save hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not millions, through the cuts, according to the Tax Policy Center. The president’s family could save as much as $11m, according to an analysis by the New York Times. The tax plan also eliminated the estate tax, which only affected a few thousand extremely families with extraordinary wealth.
Trump is correct that the tax overhaul also repealed the individual mandate of the Affordable Care Act.
Trump:
We slashed the business tax rate from 35% all the way down to 21%, so American companies can compete and win against anyone in the world. These changes alone are estimated to increase average family income by more than $4,000.
Before last December’s tax cuts, the US had one of the highest corporate tax rates, a federal rate of 35% that could reach 39.1% with state taxes; the effective rate was 27.1%. The cuts reduced them to 21%; few corporations actually pay at the rate, instead using loopholes and deductions to pay far less. It is false that the US ranked highest among developed countries for personal income rates or for tax revenue as GDP, according to the OECD. As a percent of GDP, the US ranks in the bottom third of those nations.
The stock marketThe stock market
Small business confidence is at an all-time high. The stock market has smashed one record after another, gaining $8tn in value. That is great news for Americans’ 401k, retirement, pension, and college savings accounts.Small business confidence is at an all-time high. The stock market has smashed one record after another, gaining $8tn in value. That is great news for Americans’ 401k, retirement, pension, and college savings accounts.
It’s true that the stock market is booming: the Dow Jones surpassed a record 26,000 points and saw its fastest-ever 1,000-point gain during the last year.It’s true that the stock market is booming: the Dow Jones surpassed a record 26,000 points and saw its fastest-ever 1,000-point gain during the last year.
The stock market is not the economy, however, failing as it does to count for other factors such as largely stagnant wages and growing inequality. A Federal Reserve report published last year, for instance, found that the wealthiest 1% of American families controlled 38.6% of the country’s wealth in 2016. The stock market is not the economy, however, and does not reflect marginal wage gains and growing inequality. A Federal Reserve report published last year, for instance, found that the wealthiest 1% of American families controlled 38.6% of the country’s wealth in 2016.
And while a president might encourage investors with business-friendly policies – or alarm them with sudden, apparently new statements from his advisers – they have mostly indirect influence on the stock market. Bonuses
Bonuses and veterans affairs
Since we passed tax cuts, roughly three million workers have already gotten tax cut bonuses – many of them thousands of dollars per worker.Since we passed tax cuts, roughly three million workers have already gotten tax cut bonuses – many of them thousands of dollars per worker.
It’s true that several large corporations, such as Apple, Bank of America and Walmart, gave thousands of minimum-wage employees bonuses in the range of hundreds to a few thousand dollars, which they said were linked to the new tax plan. Those bonuses respectively cost the companies $300m, $145m, and $400m – pennies compared to the savings bestowed by the new tax plan on large corporations: Apple will likely save a minimum of $40bn from the tax cuts; Bank of America $2.7bn and Walmart $4bn.It’s true that several large corporations, such as Apple, Bank of America and Walmart, gave thousands of minimum-wage employees bonuses in the range of hundreds to a few thousand dollars, which they said were linked to the new tax plan. Those bonuses respectively cost the companies $300m, $145m, and $400m – pennies compared to the savings bestowed by the new tax plan on large corporations: Apple will likely save a minimum of $40bn from the tax cuts; Bank of America $2.7bn and Walmart $4bn.
Last year, the Congress passed, and I signed, the landmark VA Accountability Act. Since its passage, my administration has already removed more than 1,500 VA employees who failed to give our veterans the care they deserve – and we are hiring talented people who love our vets as much as we do.
The Trump administration had fired at least 1,322 people from the Department of Veterans Affairs last year, according to the agency and an accounting by Military Times. Given its pace of removals last year, it would be on track to remove around 1,500 employees by the end of January 2018.
Coal, energy and carsCoal, energy and cars
We have ended the war on American energy – and we have ended the war on clean coal. We are now an exporter of energy to the world.We have ended the war on American energy – and we have ended the war on clean coal. We are now an exporter of energy to the world.
Thanks to a natural gas boom over the last 15 years, the US has become a global energy power to rival oil states around the world. This success of natural gas – cheaper, more accessible and comparatively cleaner than coal – has marginalized the coal industry, limiting Trump’s efforts to save the industry. Thanks to a natural gas boom over the last 15 years, the US has become a global energy power. This success of natural gas – cheaper, more accessible and cleaner than coal – has marginalized the coal industry, limiting Trump’s efforts to save the industry.
As automation has spread across many US industries, coal jobs and production declined for decades, collapsing 33% from 2011 to 2016, according to studies by Columbia University and the Department of Energy, largely due to competition from natural gas and a shift away from coal in Asia. Coal jobs and production declined for decades, collapsing 33% from 2011 to 2016, according to studies by Columbia University and the Department of Energy, due to competition from natural gas, automation and a shift away from coal in Asia.
Trump has tried, however, to resurrect coal’s fading fortunes. With Republicans in Congress he rescinded a rule that tried to keep coal mining waste out of waterways; he ordered a revocation of Barack Obama’s Clean Power Plan, which put strict new regulations on mining and favored renewable energies; and he lifted a ban on mining leases on federal land. And in 2017, coal exports hugely increased compared to 2016, according to the Energy Information Association. Still, there has only been about 1% growth in coal jobs over the last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Trump has tried to resurrect coal’s fading fortunes. He rescinded a rule that tried to keep coal mining waste out of waterways; ordered a revocation of Barack Obama’s Clean Power Plan; and lifted a ban on mining leases on federal land. In 2017, coal exports increased compared to 2016, according to the Energy Information Association. Still, there has only been about 1% growth in coal jobs over the last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The phrase “clean coal,” coined by the coal industry and briefly taken up by Obama, is itself controversial. The term applies not to any coal itself but power plants that remove heavy metal pollutants in the burning process and bury carbon emissions in the earth. Even such “clean” coal-fired plants still emit large levels of pollutants, however. The phrase “clean coal,” coined by the coal industry, is itself controversial. The term applies not to any coal itself but power plants that remove heavy metal pollutants in the burning process and bury carbon emissions in the earth. Even such “clean” coal-fired plants still emit large levels of pollutants.
In Detroit, I halted government mandates that crippled America’s autoworkers – so we can get the Motor City revving its engines once again.In Detroit, I halted government mandates that crippled America’s autoworkers – so we can get the Motor City revving its engines once again.
Detroit filed for bankruptcy in 2013, but the US auto industry was one of the first American sectors to bounce back from the 2008 financial crisis, enough so that Barak Obama was touting its revival in 2010.Detroit filed for bankruptcy in 2013, but the US auto industry was one of the first American sectors to bounce back from the 2008 financial crisis, enough so that Barak Obama was touting its revival in 2010.
Many car companies are now building and expanding plants in the United States – something we have not seen for decades. Chrysler is moving a major plant from Mexico to Michigan; Toyota and Mazda are opening up a plant in Alabama. Soon, plants will be opening up all over the country. This is all news Americans are unaccustomed to hearing – for many years, companies and jobs were only leaving us.Many car companies are now building and expanding plants in the United States – something we have not seen for decades. Chrysler is moving a major plant from Mexico to Michigan; Toyota and Mazda are opening up a plant in Alabama. Soon, plants will be opening up all over the country. This is all news Americans are unaccustomed to hearing – for many years, companies and jobs were only leaving us.
Chrysler is not moving any plant from Mexico; it is keeping the Mexican factory and investing in a Michigan one. Toyota-Mazda have planned for a $1.6bn factory in Alabama, to open in several years. Several of the plans Trump is touting have been in development for several years and the US has steadily increased jobs since 2010, according to the same Bureau of Labor Statistics figures the president earlier cited.Chrysler is not moving any plant from Mexico; it is keeping the Mexican factory and investing in a Michigan one. Toyota-Mazda have planned for a $1.6bn factory in Alabama, to open in several years. Several of the plans Trump is touting have been in development for several years and the US has steadily increased jobs since 2010, according to the same Bureau of Labor Statistics figures the president earlier cited.
RegulationsRegulations
In our drive to make Washington accountable, we have eliminated more regulations in our first year than any administration in history.In our drive to make Washington accountable, we have eliminated more regulations in our first year than any administration in history.
It’s true that the Trump administration has steadily tried to roll back regulations, but there is no clear way to measure his success compared to previous presidents – regulations are made through a messy process of rule-making and budget maneuvers, court cases, Congress and enforcers. It’s true that the Trump administration has steadily tried to roll back regulations, but there is no clear way to measure his success – regulations are made through a messy process of rule-making, budgets, court cases, Congress and enforcers. Past presidents and Congress massively deregulated airliners and trains in the 1970s and 80s, and Ronald Reagan tried to use budgetary measures to neuter regulations without necessarily battling to erase them completely.
Trump’s claim to have eliminated more regulations than “any administration in history” also collides with the broad pushes to deregulate airliners and trains in the 1970s and 80s, and several presidents, such as Ronald Reagan, tried to use budgetary measures to neuter regulations without necessarily battling to erase them completely.
According to the Office of Management and Budget, Trump has withdrawn fewer regulations in his first year than Bill Clinton, George W Bush or Barack Obama did during their presidencies. Earlier this month, the White House claimed that the Trump administration “withdrawn or delayed 1,579 planned regulatory actions”; according to the OMB, Clinton withdrew 1,824; Bush 2,632; and Obama 1,814.According to the Office of Management and Budget, Trump has withdrawn fewer regulations in his first year than Bill Clinton, George W Bush or Barack Obama did during their presidencies. Earlier this month, the White House claimed that the Trump administration “withdrawn or delayed 1,579 planned regulatory actions”; according to the OMB, Clinton withdrew 1,824; Bush 2,632; and Obama 1,814.
Nor does ordering regulations gone actually erase those regulations. Sometimes presidents must enact a new rule to replace an existing one, opening the door to court battles and there is a complex review process behind regulations to make sure they fit with laws. Trump’s attempts to repeal environmental rules, for instance, have already landed him in court over a debate that he is acting recklessly and without scientific evidence. Nor does ordering regulations gone actually erase those regulations. There is a complex review process behind regulations to make sure they fit with laws, and Trump’s attempt to repeal environmental rules, for instance, have landed him in court.
The Trump administration has, however, has worked with Congress to use an obscure 1996 law, the Congressional Review Act, to rescind more than a dozen rules enacted late in the Obama administration. The law had only been used once before.The Trump administration has, however, has worked with Congress to use an obscure 1996 law, the Congressional Review Act, to rescind more than a dozen rules enacted late in the Obama administration. The law had only been used once before.
TradeTrade
America has also finally turned the page on decades of unfair trade deals that sacrificed our prosperity and shipped away our companies, our jobs, and our nation’s wealth.America has also finally turned the page on decades of unfair trade deals that sacrificed our prosperity and shipped away our companies, our jobs, and our nation’s wealth.
Trump has fulfilled his promise to abandon the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade pact the Obama administration hoped could strengthen ties between nations such as Japan, Vietnam and Australia and curb Chinese influence in the Pacific. He has not abandoned the North American Free Trade Association (Nafta), however, or had much success negotiating one-on-one trade deals around the world. Trump has fulfilled his promise to abandon the Trans-Pacific Partnership but has not abandoned the North American Free Trade Association (Nafta) or had much success with one-on-one trade deals.
Free trade has affected US manufacturing, though in a mix of pros and cons that make it all but impossible to use the sweeping language as the president does here. Since China joined the WTO in 2001, the US has massively increased cheap imports from China, according to the Census Bureau, and lost 2.4 million manufacturing jobs, according to a report by Economic Policy Institute (EPI), for example. His sweeping language about the effects of trade deals do not tell the whole story. The deals, like most compromises, are a bundle of pros and cons: after China joined the WTO in 2001, the US massively increased cheap imports, according to the Census Bureau, and continued a trend of losing manufacturing jobs that began in the 1990s – a trend tied up in the growth of automation. As for Nafta, a Congressional Research Service report concluded it “did not cause the huge job losses feared by the critics or the large economic gains predicted by supporters”.
But trade deals are only part of the story. Manufacturing jobs started declining in 1997, years before China’s entry into the WTO (though three years after its trade status changed with the US), and researchers have questioned EPI’s conclusions. Despite the decline in jobs, manufacturing has become more productive, suggesting that automation and not trade deals were the cause of most job losses. In other words, few agree about how many jobs moved for which reasons. The same goes for Nafta, though a Congressional Research Service report concluded it “did not cause the huge job losses feared by the critics or the large economic gains predicted by supporters”. Its net effect “appears to have been relatively modest.”
The Empire State BuildingThe Empire State Building
America is a nation of builders. We built the Empire State Building in just one year – isn’t it a disgrace that it can now take ten years just to get a permit approved for a simple road?America is a nation of builders. We built the Empire State Building in just one year – isn’t it a disgrace that it can now take ten years just to get a permit approved for a simple road?
Almost. The Empire State Building was built in one year and 45 days. The Empire State Building was built in one year and 45 days.
It’s not clear what part of the country the president believes it takes 10 years to obtain a permit for a road, but he appears to have drawn the notion from a Brooklyn-based group that has urged the White House to slash building regulations, especially those set by the Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency. Isis
Isis and the FDA
I’m proud to report that the coalition to defeat Isis has liberated almost 100% of the territory once held by these killers in Iraq and Syria.I’m proud to report that the coalition to defeat Isis has liberated almost 100% of the territory once held by these killers in Iraq and Syria.
The president appears to be drawing from a December Fox News report citing unnamed US military officials; after the recapture of Mosul, a state department spokesman, Brett McGurk, said last August that the terror group had lost 22% of its territory in Iraq and 42% of its territory in Syria. Two months later its holdings had shrunk further, to roughly the size of Portugal.The president appears to be drawing from a December Fox News report citing unnamed US military officials; after the recapture of Mosul, a state department spokesman, Brett McGurk, said last August that the terror group had lost 22% of its territory in Iraq and 42% of its territory in Syria. Two months later its holdings had shrunk further, to roughly the size of Portugal.
Trump has given more freedom to Pentagon generals to authorize missions and strikes than his predecessor, but he has largely continued Barack Obama’s campaign strategies in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and Africa, relying heavily on bombing campaigns and special forces. The terror group Isis has lost a large amount of territory since Trump took office, a continuation of its defeats over the past few years. It has changed tactics with the losses, encouraging so-called “lone wolf” actors and orchestrating terror attacks abroad. Trump has given more freedom to Pentagon generals to authorize missions and strikes than his predecessor, but he has largely continued Obama’s strategies in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and Yemen, relying heavily on bombing campaigns and special forces. The terror group Isis has lost a large amount of territory since Trump took office, a continuation of its defeats over the past few years. It has changed tactics with the losses, encouraging so-called “lone wolf” actors and orchestrating terror attacks abroad.
Isis has also faced an increased pace of bombing by Russian forces, in support of the strengthened Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, who has turned his armies toward the group after defeating other rebel forces. Kurdish forces have continued to fight Isis as well, even as the Turkish military has turned fire on them both. Isis has also faced an increased bombing by Russian forces and renewed attacks by Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, who has mostly defeated other rebel forces.
To speed access to breakthrough cures and affordable generic drugs, last year the FDA approved more new and generic drugs and medical devices than ever before in our history.
This claim comes from Trump’s own Department of Health and Human Services; it is true that the FDA has approved drugs at a breathtaking pace over the last year, raising concerns about the safety of new pharmaceuticals.
As tax cuts create new jobs, let us invest in workforce development and job training.As tax cuts create new jobs, let us invest in workforce development and job training.
Whether tax cuts create jobs has been one of the most frequent debates among economists over the last 40 years; one 65-year study found little evidence to support the theory, for instance, and Kansas, a recent experiment in cutting taxes and regulations, has struggled to create jobs or pay for basic services in recent years.Whether tax cuts create jobs has been one of the most frequent debates among economists over the last 40 years; one 65-year study found little evidence to support the theory, for instance, and Kansas, a recent experiment in cutting taxes and regulations, has struggled to create jobs or pay for basic services in recent years.
Immigration and crimeImmigration and crime
For decades, open borders have allowed drugs and gangs to pour into our most vulnerable communities. They have allowed millions of low-wage workers to compete for jobs and wages against the poorest Americans. Most tragically, they have caused the loss of many innocent lives.For decades, open borders have allowed drugs and gangs to pour into our most vulnerable communities. They have allowed millions of low-wage workers to compete for jobs and wages against the poorest Americans. Most tragically, they have caused the loss of many innocent lives.
Trump has insisted for years on a link between immigrants and crime, but decades of research do not support the theory, and some studies suggest that undocumented people are less likely than native-born citizens to commit crimes. The president’s claims about violent crime and immigrants are baseless.
The modern US has never had “open borders”. Barack Obama’s administration, for example, deported more people than any previous administration, and greatly expanded the staffing for border security.The modern US has never had “open borders”. Barack Obama’s administration, for example, deported more people than any previous administration, and greatly expanded the staffing for border security.
Trump has insisted for years on a link between immigrants and crime, but decades of research do not support the theory, and some studies suggest that undocumented people are less likely than native-born citizens to commit crimes. The president’s claims linking immigrants to violent crime are baseless.
A 2016 study by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, a nonpartisan research organization found that immigrants do not take jobs from native-born Americans.A 2016 study by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, a nonpartisan research organization found that immigrants do not take jobs from native-born Americans.
The report also found that first-generation immigrants cost federal and local governments between $43bn and $279bn in spending, largely on education – a huge range with many variables. The children of those immigrants become greater taxpayers and add about $30bn a year to the economy, according to the report, making those newly native Americans “among the strongest economic and fiscal contributors in the US population”, according to the report. The report also found that first-generation immigrants cost federal and local governments between $43bn and $279bn in spending – a huge range with many variables. The children of those immigrants become add about $30bn a year to the economy, according to the report, making those newly native Americans “among the strongest economic and fiscal contributors in the US population”.
It concluded that immigration has a “general positive” effect on the federal level but can have positive or negative effects, depending on the circumstances, at the local level.It concluded that immigration has a “general positive” effect on the federal level but can have positive or negative effects, depending on the circumstances, at the local level.
The US is continuing to suffer a drug crisis of unprecedented proportions, with fentanyl and synthetic drugs entering the US from China, heroin from Mexico, and prescription opioids produced by American pharmaceutical companies. There were likely more than 59,000 fatal drug overdoses in the US in 2016, part of a steady increase over the last decade and a total of deaths greater than the number of American fatalities in the Vietnam war. Trump has declared the crisis a public health problem but declined to call it a “national emergency,” a designation that would open up immediate funds for treatment and prevention. The president has also chosen controversial figures to be top health officials, including a former pharmaceutical executive and a 24-year-old former campaign aide.
Tracking drug smuggling is an imprecise science; according to Customs and Border Protection, marijuana seizures fell 31% from fiscal year 2016 to fiscal year 2017, but cocaine and heroin seizures increased by 70%.
VisasVisas
The third pillar [of Trump’s immigration plan] ends the visa lottery – a program that randomly hands out green cards without any regard for skill, merit or the safety of our people. It is time to begin moving towards a merit-based immigration system – one that admits people who are skilled, who want to work, who will contribute to our society and who will love and respect our country.The third pillar [of Trump’s immigration plan] ends the visa lottery – a program that randomly hands out green cards without any regard for skill, merit or the safety of our people. It is time to begin moving towards a merit-based immigration system – one that admits people who are skilled, who want to work, who will contribute to our society and who will love and respect our country.
The fourth and final pillar protects the nuclear family by ending chain migration. Under the current broken system, a single immigrant can bring in virtually unlimited numbers of distant relatives. Under our plan, we focus on the immediate family by limiting sponsorships to spouses and minor children. This vital reform is necessary, not just for our economy, but for our security, and our future.The fourth and final pillar protects the nuclear family by ending chain migration. Under the current broken system, a single immigrant can bring in virtually unlimited numbers of distant relatives. Under our plan, we focus on the immediate family by limiting sponsorships to spouses and minor children. This vital reform is necessary, not just for our economy, but for our security, and our future.
The visa lottery is not a wholly random system without regard for merit. The visa lottery is not a wholly random system without regard for merit, and the family visa system does not allow distant relatives or even cousins to receive sponsorships for residency. There are already limits to how many family visas a family can receive.
Trump has repeatedly disparaged family visa sponsorship and the lottery visa program, saying the legal programs allow dangerous people to enter the US. (The president’s own ancestors followed their relatives who had immigrated to the US.) He has also claimed that foreign nations like Mexico “send” people to the US, a clear falsehood except in extradition cases in which American authorities have requested a fugitive. Yet Trump has repeatedly disparaged the lottery visa program and family visa sponsorship and, saying the legal programs allow dangerous people to enter the US. (The president’s own ancestors followed their immigrant relatives to the US.) He has also claimed that foreign nations like Mexico “send” people to the US, a clear falsehood except in extradition cases in which American authorities have requested a fugitive.
The US state department, with help from security agencies, runs the visa lottery program, has minimum requirements of two years work experience and at least a high school education, subjects applicants to background checks and security interviews, and relies on a computer to randomly select visa recipients. The US state department, with help from security agencies, runs the visa lottery program, has minimum requirements of two years work experience and at least a high school education, subjects applicants to background checks and security interviews, and relies on a computer to randomly select visa recipients. Family sponsors and visa recipients must also submit to rigorous vetting.
DrugsDrugs
In 2016, we lost 64,000 Americans to drug overdoses: 174 deaths per day. Seven per hour. We must get much tougher on drug dealers and pushers if we are going to succeed in stopping this scourge.In 2016, we lost 64,000 Americans to drug overdoses: 174 deaths per day. Seven per hour. We must get much tougher on drug dealers and pushers if we are going to succeed in stopping this scourge.
The US is continuing to suffer a drug crisis of unprecedented proportions, with fentanyl and synthetic drugs entering the US from China, heroin from Mexico, and prescription opioids produced by American pharmaceutical companies. There were likely more than 64,000 fatal drug overdoses in the US in 2016, part of a steady increase over the last decade and a total of deaths greater than the number of American fatalities in the Vietnam war. Trump has declared the crisis a public health problem but declined to call it a “national emergency,” a designation that would open up immediate funds for treatment and prevention. The president has also chosen controversial figures to be top health officials, including a former pharmaceutical executive and a 24-year-old former campaign aide. The US is continuing to suffer a drug crisis of unprecedented proportions, with fentanyl and synthetic drugs entering the US from China, heroin from Mexico, and prescription opioids produced by American pharmaceutical companies.
Tracking drug smuggling is an imprecise science; according to Customs and Border Protection, marijuana seizures fell 31% from fiscal year 2016 to fiscal year 2017, but cocaine and heroin seizures increased by 70%. Cracking down on “drug dealers and pushers”, as the president suggests, would not confront the problem of prescription drug addiction or shipments from unregulated laboratories in China There were likely more than 64,000 fatal drug overdoses in the US in 2016, part of a steady increase over the last decade. Trump has declared the crisis a public health problem but declined to call it a “national emergency,” a designation that would open up immediate funds for treatment and prevention. The president has also chosen controversial figures to be top health officials, including a former pharmaceutical executive and a 24-year-old former campaign aide.
Drug polices such as the “war on drugs” and “just say no” campaigns have failed to counteract rising addiction, nor to slow the spread of drugs in the US. According to Customs and Border Protection, marijuana seizures fell 31% from fiscal year 2016 to fiscal year 2017, but cocaine and heroin seizures increased by 70%. Cracking down on “drug dealers and pushers”, as the president suggests, would not confront the problem of prescription drug addiction or shipments from unregulated laboratories in China
Donald TrumpDonald Trump
State of the Union addressState of the Union address
Trump administrationTrump administration
US politicsUS politics
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