Trump outlines his plan for funding border wall

Associated Press

WASHINGTON

Donald Trump would try to force Mexico to pay for a border wall by targeting billions of dollars in remittances sent by immigrants living in the U.S., according to a memo released by his campaign Tuesday.

The memo outlines in new detail how Trump would try to compel Mexico to pay for the 1,000-mile wall he’s promised to build along the Southern border if he becomes president.

In his proposal, Trump threatened to change a rule under the USA Patriot Act, an anti-terrorism law, to cut off a portion of the funds sent to Mexico through money transfers known as remittances. His plan also would bar non-Americans from wiring money outside of the U.S. unless they can provide documentation establishing their legal status in the country.

Trump said he would withdraw the threat if Mexico makes a one-time payment to finance the wall.

“Good luck with that,” President Barack Obama said Tuesday in response to questions about Trump’s proposal. He warned of the ramifications such a plan would have on the Mexican economy, which, in turn, would drive more immigrants to cross the border in search of jobs.