White House outlines immigration policy vision

US President Donald Trump talks to the media on South Lawn of the White House in Washington before his departure to Greensboro, North Carolina, US, October 7, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

WASHINGTON - The White House unveiled its vision for immigration reform Sunday and said that it had sent the document to Congress.

"Immigration reform must create more jobs, higher wages, and greater security for Americans -- now and for future generations," US President Donald Trump said in a letter to Congress.

"The reforms outlined in the enclosure are necessary to ensure prosperity, opportunity, and safety for every member of our national family," he said.

The principles Trump gave in an enclosed document were divided into two parts, namely border security and interior enforcement.

Regarding border security, Trump reiterated his proposal to construct a wall along the US-Mexico border, which has been one of his most prominent campaign promises.

Trump also asked for the swift removal of illegal immigrants, especially unaccompanied alien children, which Trump said have been entering the United States through its southern border at an increasing rate.

For law enforcement, Trump vowed to take on sanctuary cities or states that have blocked federal efforts in dealing with illegal immigrants.

"The administration proposes blocking sanctuary cities from receiving certain grants or cooperative agreements administered or awarded by the Department of Justice and Homeland Security," the principle read.

The policy comes one month after the Department of Justice said it will halt the "Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals" program enacted during former President Barack Obama's tenure, and will leave a six-month window for Congress to pass a comprehensive immigration reform.

Coupled with taking executive action against illegal immigrants, the Department of Homeland Security has also conducted nationwide raids in recent weeks and arrested about 500 illegal immigrants that it says have violated the law.

Immigration has been a thorny issue in US society that has been amplified by Trump's election. Trump has promised tighter immigration control, which appealed to many of his conservative supporters, but his policies have also drawn wide criticism.