Mullin rules out immigration amnesty

Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin stated on Tuesday that the administration will not pursue amnesty for individuals residing in the United States without formal status. Speaking to reporters at a drone technology conference in the Washington, D.C. suburbs, Mullin described amnesty as a firm position for the Republican Party that has complicated recent legislative debates.

Mullin acknowledged that President Donald Trump is open to dialogue with Democrats following the midterm elections. The president recently told 60 Minutes that his deportation policies may have been too aggressive for voters. Mullin confirmed that he has informed Trump about ongoing calls from former Democratic colleagues in Congress. He said the president instructed the team to begin working with those lawmakers and to convene at a later date, adding that no dedicated policy conversations have taken place yet.

The recent midterm results highlighted voter dissatisfaction with mass deportation efforts. In response to this political shift, Trump promoted Stephen Miller, the architect of the administration's strict immigration stance, to the role of White House chief of staff. Mullin called the appointment an excellent choice in a social media post on November 6, praising the decision while noting the challenges of the current political environment.

Mullin, who served as both a senator and a representative before joining the Trump administration earlier this year, emphasized his history of bipartisan cooperation. He cited his past work on immigration reform in the House and Senate as evidence that a two-party approach is the most effective path forward. However, he maintained that amnesty will never be a solution, stating that the administration will not allow it to occur.

The secretary also addressed the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, commonly known as DACA. He indicated that determining a legal pathway for DACA recipients, such as converting them to permanent legal residents, falls within the jurisdiction of Congress. Mullin suggested that if bipartisan reform is achieved, analyzing DACA could be part of that broader legislative package.

The comments came during a conference focused on drones and anti-drone technologies. Mullin's remarks clarify the administration's current stance as it navigates post-election dynamics. The White House continues to balance its hardline immigration agenda with a willingness to engage with opposition leaders on specific legislative goals.