• Newt Gingrich describes a segment of the Republican party as “rabid” over immigration issues.
• Gingrich predicts Trump's mass deportation plans may not materialize, especially regarding documented individuals.
• He advocates for the legal status of Dreamers and addresses the long-term implications of immigration policies.
• Concerns raised over public sentiment shifting against deportations if faced with humanitarian issues.
• Gingrich promotes his PBS documentary celebrating immigrant contributions to American life.

Newt Gingrich, the former US House speaker and a veteran figure in the Republican party, has voiced his concerns regarding the hardline immigration policies anticipated under Donald Trump's forthcoming administration. In recent interviews, Gingrich described a portion of his party as “rabid” regarding immigration issues and expressed skepticism about the feasibility of Trump’s promises, particularly the potential deportation of documented immigrants alongside millions of undocumented migrants (theguardian).

Gingrich highlighted that he would be “very surprised” if there were significant efforts to change immigration status for those legally residing in the US. He noted that public support for mass deportations could “collapse” if the media begins broadcasting personal stories of families being torn apart during deportation efforts. This concern aligns with his belief in the necessity of taking humanitarian considerations into account in discussions about immigration policy.

“It’s nonsense to say somebody who came here when they were two, only speaks English, graduated as a high school valedictorian and is currently a nurse or a doctor should be deported,” Gingrich remarked, stressing that such individuals, known as Dreamers, should be granted legal protections. His stance contrasts sharply with Trump’s more extreme rhetoric regarding immigration reform, which includes proposals to end birthright citizenship guaranteed by the 14th Amendment (theguardian).

Amid concern for the future of the Dreamers and plans for mass deportation, Gingrich stated that he is “passionately in favor” of establishing a path to legality for these individuals. He emphasized the importance of recognizing various levels of immigration status and devising policies that fulfill national security needs while being humane. “It’s a real challenge,” he acknowledged.

As a significant player in the GOP for decades, Gingrich remains close to Trump and has been involved in several discussions related to immigration reform in past elections. He recently released a PBS documentary titled Journey to America, in collaboration with his wife, highlighting the contributions of immigrants to American society. The documentary seeks to reevaluate the narrative around immigration, emphasizing the positive impact immigrants have made in various fields throughout history, from technology to public service.

In this charged atmosphere, Gingrich is wary of the potential for backlash against the deportation agenda, drawing from historical insights. He noted the words of President Abraham Lincoln, stating, “with popular sentiment, anything is possible; without popular sentiment, nothing is possible.” He cautions that the narrative could quickly shift against the deportation program should humanitarian stories illustrate the human cost involved.

Gingrich has accordingly outlined a seven-step immigration plan, proposing it as a framework that could be presented to Trump to consider for future policy directions. His careful positioning suggests an understanding of the delicate balance required to navigate immigration reform in a highly polarized political environment. As discussions of Trump’s immigration strategy heat up, Gingrich appears to advocate for a more tempered and pragmatic approach, seeking to reconcile the human aspect of immigration with the broader national interests at stake.

Gingrich’s statements underline the complexity of immigration reform, reminding us that beyond political trajectories, real lives and communities are impacted by these policies and promises.