I disagree, Lurk.
I trace the collapse all the way back to the Ronald Reagan Amnesty (IRCA) in 1986.
Reagan had an amazing first term, but by 1986 he was drifting Left on almost every issue.
I also reject the “Trump Is Helpless” excuse.
If that’s true, Trump should have mention it BEFORE we elected him president.
Before 2015, Trump was always an immigration dove.
As far as I’m concerned - on the immigration issue - everything Trump has said or done since 2015 has been political theater.
He certainly doesn’t seem to be doing much in stopping the invasion.
As you said, political theater.
Now he wants what every first term potus wants, viz. a second term. He'll again parade the issue, he's the sole solution, etc. But if he gets a second term, we'll see his liberal side.
I also agree with you about the Trumpbot mantra "Trump is helpless" excuse.
8 U.S.C. s 1152(a)(1)
From the above: "Whenever the President finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, he may by proclamation, and for such period as he shall deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens as immigrants or nonimmigrants, or impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate."
He's just making baby steps to distract his constituents into thinking he's doing all he can, meanwhile, all he's doing is stringing it to 2020.
BTW, the trumpbots will be along shortly to castigate and condemn you. As they have me, frequently.
When is the last time every policy put in place on any issue been immediately stopped by a judge popping up? How would anyone plan for that?
Our immigration laws are actually for the most part pretty seriously written and if enforced would be fairly effective. There has been little to no enforcement. Who knew enforcing them would be met with complete resistance by the courts?