Former U.S. Representative Beto O’Rourke said on 9 August that if Democrats regain control of Congress and the White House they will move quickly to pass legislation granting legal status to the nation’s undocumented population. “We’re going to drive that car like we stole it,” he said, adding that immigrants are “what makes this country so god-damned great in the first place.” O’Rourke, who previously ran unsuccessfully for both the U.S. Senate and the Texas governorship, framed the proposal as central to future Democratic priorities. Republican commentators immediately seized on the remarks, saying they underscore what they call a sharp contrast with former President Donald Trump’s pledge to step up deportations and tighten border enforcement if he returns to office. Immigration is expected to feature prominently in the 2026 midterm campaign. The Biden administration has already faced record crossings along the southern border, while a 145 percent tariff on Chinese goods that took effect this year has further inflamed debates over economic nationalism and border security. O’Rourke’s comments signal that Democrats may embrace a broad legalization push despite the political risks highlighted by GOP critics.