In latest hedge, Trump says immigration laws can be softened

AUSTIN, Texas –Donald Trump said Tuesday that he is open to “softening” laws dealing with immigrants in the country illegally, the latest sign that the he is considering easing the hardline stance he has taken since the beginning of his campaign.

Trump, taping a town hall in Austin, Texas, for Fox News, was asked by moderator Sean Hannity if he would change current statutes to accommodate law-abiding citizens or residents who have raised children in the U.S.

“There certainly can be a softening because we’re not looking to hurt people,” Trump answered. “We want people — we have some great people in this country.”

Trump has repeatedly declared that if elected, he would deport the 11 million people living in the U.S. illegally. But he has hedged his stance in recent days, and during the taping he ruminated aloud about the fairness of breaking up families. He even polled the audience about what they would do about the crucial policy.

“So you have somebody who’s been in the country for 20 years, has done a great job, and everything else,” Trump said. “Do we take him and the family and her and him or whatever and send him out?”

The crowd’s reaction was split.

He has stuck to his vow to build a wall to fortify the nation’s border with Mexico and to deport immigrants here illegally who have committed criminal and violent acts.