Immigration has become a thorny issue in America following Trump’s stance on deporting immigrants to make America great again. America great again was Trump’s campaign slogan and partially meant that immigrants will be deported back to their countries of origin opening up job opportunities for Americans. The President denounced the Obama era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program on a technicality that former president Obama had no legal standing to constitute the program.
During the beginning of the immigration debate opening vote, both the Republicans and the Democrats showed their willingness to debate on the sore subject. The vote passed 97-1 signifying a unanimous decision by both divides. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer alongside his counterpart, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell at the University of Louisville stated that the two factions – Dems and Reps get along just well unlike what the media may portray to the public.
The Debate in the Senate Chambers
In a show of friendship, the Senate’s top leaders, Mitch and Chuck while launching the immigration debate spoke in one voice. Both laid down markers mentioning how difficult it would be to reach a formidable solution accepted by Democrats and Republicans. Their unity reflects that of the bipartisan $400 billion budget accord they brokered and guided into law on February 9, 2018. They both stated that the immigration bill will be a tough one.
McConnell while on the Senate floor said that it was now time to stop political posturing. He added that the Democrats have called for swift action on immigration to save the dreamers. It is time they backed up their talk and worked hard towards arriving at a solution meaning the passage of a deal by both the Senate and the House and eventually signed by Donald Trump.
Schumer stated that the only enemy in the debates will be an overreach. He clarified that it is neither the time nor the place to reform the entire legal immigration system. He went on to say it was time for a narrow bill which the Democrats believe will help the DACA immigrants and provide some funding for border security.
Optics to the Debate
The Republicans support Trump’s proposal which promotes a path to citizenship for about 1.8 million young dreamers alongside a $25 billion funding for the President’s border wall. Most Republicans are not happy with idea of giving 1.8 million immigrants a pathway but it acts as a lure for the Democrats. Democrats are definitely opposed to Trump’s proposals, a stint that shows how difficult coming up with a deal will be.
Donald Trump tightened the screws on Democrats, stating that he hoped they will not use the debate as a campaign issue.
