Tom DeLay, former House of Representatives majority leader, said Donald Trump must improve how he presents his plans for immigration reform.
"It's how you present it, and he needs to do a better job of that," the Texas Republican said during an appearance on Fox Business' "Mornings with Maria."
DeLay, who was a member of the House of Representatives from 1985 to 2006, said Trump must seek advice from border-state lawmakers in areas affected by immigration issues.
"Donald Trump is on the right track. He just needs to figure out a way to talk about it," DeLay said.
Trump announced he would make a "major speech" about immigration Wednesday, Aug. 31.
Trump needs to speak plainly about how illegal immigrants affect U.S. citizens in areas along the border, DeLay said.
"Just be very straightforward, as Trump can do, and talk about the economic impact on our communities on the border," DeLay said.
DeLay said Trump needed to speak directly to U.S. citizens, "rather than playing this game that anybody, from all over the world, has the right to come to America. You ought to be talking about what's in the best interests of the American citizens," DeLay said.
When asked whether Trump can successfully handle the immigration issue during a potential debate with Clinton, DeLay said he believed Trump would be successful at doing so if he focused on Clinton's plan.
"Any time he opens his mouth to talk about immigration, he needs to start with Hillary's plan, because most Americans do not want open borders," DeLay said. "Most Americans want a legal immigration that benefits America."
DeLay said Clinton's plans include "total open borders, welfare benefits, sanctuary cities" and not enforcing the law. DeLay said Trump and Clinton's plans should be presented side by side "and let the people decide."
DeLay appeared on Newsmax TV and said Trump is trying to "soften" his presentation about immigration.
The Daily Caller questioned whether Trump's immigration ideas would be successful. Trump's call to deport all illegal aliens would only result in removing about six percent of them, 690,000 out of a total of 11 million," according to an analysis by The Daily Caller.