Trump doubles down on illegal immigration

US Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump vowed on Wednesday that anyone who is in the United States illegally would be subject to deportation if he is elected, sticking with his hardline position after flirting with a softer approach.

In a major speech in the border state of Arizona, Trump took a dim view of the 11 million people who crossed into the US illegally, a week after saying many were "great people" who had lived in the country for years and contributed to US society.

He said all people in the US illegally would have "only one route" to gain legal status if Trump were to win the Nov 8 presidential election: "To return home and apply for re-entry."

Trump again vowed that Mexico would pay for construction of a "great border wall" between the two countries. He spoke hours after Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto told Trump in a face-to-face meeting in Mexico City that Mexico would not pay for it.

"We will build a great wall along the southern border," Trump said. "And Mexico will pay for the wall - 100 percent. They don't know it yet, but they're going to pay for the wall."

Contradiction

Trump said at a joint news conference with Pena Nieto that he and the Mexican leader did not discuss who would pay for the wall. Pena Nieto remained silent on the issue at the event, but said later on Twitter he did raise the issue.

"At the beginning of the conversation with Donald Trump I made it clear that Mexico will not pay for the wall," Pena Nieto said in a tweet.

In a late evening television interview, an angry-looking Pena Nieto sought to defend himself against a broad swath of criticism for his decision to invite the Republican candidate despite his repeated verbal attacks on Mexico.

"His policy stances could represent a huge threat to Mexico, and I am not prepared to keep my arms crossed and do nothing," Pena Nieto said. "That risk, that threat, must be confronted. I told him that is not the way to build a mutually beneficial relationship for both nations."

Trump's quick acceptance of an invitation sent on Aug 26 took Mexico's government by surprise.

The real estate mogul's accusations that Mexico sends rapists and drug runners to the US, and his threats to build a border wall and tear up trade deals, have angered the government.

Demonstrators hold placards during a protest against the visit of Donald Trump in Mexico City on Wednesday. Tomas Bravo/ Reuters