Topic

Donald Trump’s immigration speech focuses on the overall topic of illegal immigration in the US. The way the speaker explores this topic can be divided into two parts: the negative consequences of illegal immigration and proposed solutions for this probl…

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The negative consequences of illegal immigration

Donald Trump explores this part of the topic by focusing on the crimes committed by illegal immigrants in the US, arguing that illegal immigration is an “issue of security” (l. 50). To support this view, the speaker gives various examples of crimes committed by illegal immigrants:

Another victim is Kate Steinle, gunned down in the Sanctuary City of San Francisco by an illegal immigrant deported five previous times. Then there is the case of 90 year-old Earl Olander, who was brutally beaten and left to bleed to death in his home. (ll. 70-76)

Additionally, the speaker gives the audience various statistics about crime and illegal immigration: “…illegal immigrants and other non-citizens in our prisons and jails together had around 25,000 homicide arrests to their names.” (ll. 80-81); “…

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Solutions for illegal immigration

The speaker devotes an important part of his speech to presenting his 10 solutions for illegal immigration. Each solution is presented as an answer to a negative impact that illegal immigrants have.

For example, the speaker argues that he will “build a wall along the Southern Border” (l. 139) to “keep out the criminal cartels” (l. 145). He also argues that he will “remove criminal aliens”, reminding the audience of the crimes committed by illegal immigrants with a criminal record.

Another measure proposed by Trump is to “Block Funding For Sanctuary Cities” (l. 203) on account that they “refuse to cooperate with federal authorities” (ll. 206-20…

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Argumentation

Donald Trump’s immigration speech is mostly delivered using direct argumentation. This means that the speaker presents and argues for his views in an explicit, straightforward manner.

For example, Trump begins his address by openly stating the topic: “Instead, I am going to deliver a detailed policy address on one of the greatest challenges facing our country today: immigration.” (ll. 7-8)

Also, on numerous occasions, he tells the audience directly what his opinions are about the issue he discusses: “But to fix our immigration system, we must change our leadership in Washington. There is no other way.” (ll. 22-23); “Immigration reform should mean something else entirely: it should mean improvements to our laws and policies to make life better for American citizens.” (ll. 35-37)

Also, he identifies problems and those he considers responsible:

The fundamental problem with the immigration system …