Immigration security

Immigration policy works without wall

Arguably the most successful element of Donald Trump's presidency involves a campaign promise that hasn't been enacted or funded by Congress. The mere threat of a wall — a "big, beautiful" wall — along the Mexican border has transformed the immigration equation, as fewer undocumented immigrants cross the border into the United States.

The number of illegal border crossings was down 47 percent in July compared with the same period last year, and the number is down 22 percent for the 2017 fiscal year, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Meanwhile, the number of total orders for voluntary departures or removal of undocumented immigrants between Feb. 1 and July 31 is up 31 percent.

In other words, the policy is working even if no bill has made it to the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office desk favored by many presidents.