Dimitris Kouimtsidis
Guest Reporter
Donald Trump has claimed he has "no choice" but to enforce mass deportations, teasing the potential of the "largest deportation in American history" once he comes into office.
The president-elect confirmed that border security will be his top priority when he takes office in January.
In his first interview with NBC News since being projected as the next president, the 78-year-old was unequivocal about the need for action, regardless of cost.
"It's not a question of a price tag," Trump told the US outlet. "It's not - really, we have no choice."
The president-elect emphasised his focus would be on removing those who have committed serious crimes and drug-related offences, teasing plans for the "largest deportation effort in American history".
He said: "When people have killed and murdered, when drug lords have destroyed countries — and now they're going to go back to those countries because they're not staying here."
House Speaker Mike Johnson has estimated that 4.5 million illegal migrants will be "first priority" for removal.
Johnson specified that those "who've already committed crimes" would be targeted, including individuals who have committed minor offences.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
"They're in the system now [for] shoplifting, or whatever it is ... or [having] done things that are untoward or unlawful," Johnson explained.
Despite his tough stance on illegal immigration, Trump emphasised he remains open to legal migration into the United States.
He said: "We obviously have to make the border strong and powerful.
"We have to — at the same time, we want people to come into our country."
"I'm not somebody that says, 'No, you can't come in.' We want people to come in."
Find Out More...
The president-elect confirmed that border security will be his top priority when he takes office in January.
In his first interview with NBC News since being projected as the next president, the 78-year-old was unequivocal about the need for action, regardless of cost.
"It's not a question of a price tag," Trump told the US outlet. "It's not - really, we have no choice."
The president-elect emphasised his focus would be on removing those who have committed serious crimes and drug-related offences, teasing plans for the "largest deportation effort in American history".
He said: "When people have killed and murdered, when drug lords have destroyed countries — and now they're going to go back to those countries because they're not staying here."
House Speaker Mike Johnson has estimated that 4.5 million illegal migrants will be "first priority" for removal.
Johnson specified that those "who've already committed crimes" would be targeted, including individuals who have committed minor offences.
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"They're in the system now [for] shoplifting, or whatever it is ... or [having] done things that are untoward or unlawful," Johnson explained.
Despite his tough stance on illegal immigration, Trump emphasised he remains open to legal migration into the United States.
He said: "We obviously have to make the border strong and powerful.
"We have to — at the same time, we want people to come into our country."
"I'm not somebody that says, 'No, you can't come in.' We want people to come in."
Find Out More...