Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has reignited the immigration debate by calling for amnesty for high-achieving DACA recipients, often referred to as ‘valedictorians’ of the program. His comments come as former President Donald Trump suggests openness to bipartisan immigration reforms.
Gingrich’s Case for DREAMers
In a Fox Business interview, Gingrich argued it ‘makes no sense’ to deport young immigrants who arrived as infants, excelled academically, and know no other home. ‘There are nuances to fixing this that can be done,’ he said, while emphasizing tougher measures against criminal immigrants.
Trump’s Shifting Immigration Tone
Gingrich’s remarks follow Trump’s interview with 60 Minutes, where the former president acknowledged public support for keeping some long-term undocumented workers in industries like landscaping and hospitality. Trump differentiated between violent criminals and ‘good people’ contributing to the economy.
The conservative push toward DACA amnesty represents a notable shift in Republican immigration rhetoric. Gingrich has historically supported high immigration levels, notably blocking 1990s reforms proposed by Rep. Barbara Jordan that would have reduced legal immigration.
As immigration emerges as a key 2026 issue, these statements from prominent Republicans signal potential policy realignments that could reshape the debate.
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/11/09/newt-gingrich-advocates-for-amnesty-for-daca-illegal-alien-valedictorians/