NBA free agent Tristan Thompson recently shared support for former President Donald Trump during a preview of The Katie Miller Podcast, specifically backing his approach to immigration. Given how Trump’s policies have impacted immigrant and Black communities, the reaction has been swift.
“What President [Donald] Trump is doing, first of all, I love what he’s done so far for our country,” Thompson said. “I think he’s helped our country a lot.”.
Thompson, who immigrated from Canada and became a U.S. citizen in 2020, said his views come from personal experience. He went on to say that immigrants who “do it the right way” should be prioritized. “In terms of where he stands with [immigration], I think…I’m a firm believer because I have family members and I have people that are immigrants. I believe for those that do the thing the right way and get the papers, I think they should be taken care of first and foremost. I think that’s the right thing. I think that’s the right way of going about it.”
That take didn’t sit right with everyone, especially those who point out the immigration system isn’t that simple.
Thompson did add that situations should be handled individually.
“I think it should be case by case on the right people. I understand where he’s coming from, but for me, it varies depending on who the person is,” he said.
For context, Thompson came to the U.S. on a student visa and later became a citizen during Trump’s first administration.
“I came to the U.S. on a student visa and have always had big dreams. I’m now truly living the American dream,” Thompson previously said.