Do You Support Tariffs Against Mexico Over Immigration?

What’s the story?

• Officials from Mexico and the U.S. have begun talks to stave off tariffs announced by President Donald Trump last week. The president said that beginning June 10, the U.S. will impose a 5% tariff on all goods from Mexico “until such time as illegal migrants coming through Mexico, and into our Country, STOP.”
• If unauthorized immigrants continue entering the U.S., the White House will increase tariffs to 15% on August 1, 20% starting September 1, and 25% on October 1.

What are people saying?

“Mexico is sending a big delegation to talk about the Border,” the president tweeted Sunday on his way to London. “Problem is, they’ve been ‘talking’ for 25 years. We want action, not talk.”

• Mick Mulvaney, acting White House chief of staff, told “Fox News Sunday” that Trump is “deadly serious” about imposing tariffs on imports.

“[T]here’s no specific target, there’s no specific percentage” Mexico needs to hit, he added, but they “have to get dramatically better and they have to get better quickly.”

• Axios reported that if the 5% tariffs take effect, they would constitute the biggest tax hike in 30 years.

“Tariffs already in place against Mexico will increase revenues by $69 billion, the Tax Foundation estimates — or about 0.32% of GDP. Add in the threatened 5% tax on Mexican imports, and that rises to about 0.40% of GDP.”

• This is one reason why lobbying group the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is considering taking legal action to block the tariffs.

What do you think?

Do you support tariffs against Mexico until they stem the tide of unauthorized immigrants into the U.S.? Take action and tell your reps, then share your thoughts below.

—Josh Herman