WASHINGTON — When President-elect Donald Trump instructed NBC News’ “Meet the Press” that he’s interested in cutting a deal with Democrats to protect Dreamers brought to the U.S. at a young age, some senators felt a tinge of déjà vu.
“We must do one thing in regards to the Dreamers as a result of these are individuals which were introduced right here at a really younger age. And many of those are middle-aged individuals now. They don’t even converse the language of their nation,” Trump instructed moderator Kristen Welker. “I’ll work with the Democrats on a plan.”
When requested about Trump’s remarks, main Senate Republicans didn’t shut the door to a deal — however they did sound a notice of skepticism in regards to the prospects.
“We’ll see. The candy spot on immigration reform has eluded us numerous instances. But clearly if there’s a bipartisan willingness to tackle that subject, then I’m definitely open to what we are able to do,” stated incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. “It’d be higher long run if we may give you some legislative options, however in the previous couple of administrations, every little thing’s been performed by government motion. So it’s going to take one thing to interrupt that logjam.”
Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, who sits on the Judiciary Committee and has participated in immigration negotiations earlier than, was extra express that Trump must work to interrupt that logjam.
“I take him critically, however he’s going to must put his shoulder to the wheel to get it performed,” Cornyn instructed NBC News.
After all, Trump used comparable rhetoric throughout his first time period, however his actions instructed a special story. As president in 2017, he sought to end the DACA program that protected undocumented immigrants who arrived within the U.S. as youngsters from deportation. And in 2018, when Sens. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., and Angus King, I-Maine, minimize a bipartisan deal to offer Dreamers authorized standing whereas giving Trump money for his border wall, Trump’s White House efficiently fought to kill the deal as a result of it didn’t additionally curtail family-based immigration.
Many Republicans view a path to citizenship for Dreamers as “amnesty.” Yet even in a rustic that has shifted to the precise on immigration, the Dreamers stay a sympathetic group.
Cornyn famous that any such bipartisan deal would take a backseat to frame safety and enforcement, which Republicans are planning to supply funding for in an enormous party-line invoice early subsequent yr.
“I did discover that this must be after we cope with the present hemorrhage on the border,” Cornyn stated. “If he’s dedicated to doing it, I believe he can in all probability get it performed.”
Senate Judiciary Chair Dick Durbin, D-Ill., who sponsored the unique Dream Act in 2001, stated he was “listening intently” to Trump’s feedback on the matter Sunday and welcomed talks.
“My ears perked up. After 23 years, I’m prepared,” he stated. “Anytime, anyplace — let’s sit down.”
“But there’s motive to be skeptical, if not cynical,” Durbin added. “Last time period, President-elect Trump walked away from 4 completely different bipartisan compromises with Democrats to resolve the DACA disaster. Democrats had been prepared to supply billions of {dollars} at one level for President Trump’s unpopular border wall in change for a bipartisan Dream Act, however we simply couldn’t appear to succeed in a constructive reply. … President Trump has, in his energy, the power to deliver round many Republicans on the difficulty of immigration.”
Durbin famous that Trump campaigned within the 2024 election on mass deportation of everyone in the U.S. illegally and is making plans to carry it out. Trump has additionally referred to as for ending birthright citizenship, though he’ll run into constitutional obstacles if he makes an attempt it. Last yr, Trump efficiently fought to sink a bipartisan deal to toughen border safety as he campaigned on the difficulty.
Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, stated Trump is bluffing about Dreamers.
“He’s by no means performed something for Dreamers. He won’t ever do something for Dreamers,” he stated. “This is bait, and we simply must not take it.”
Still, some conservatives are expressing common assist for that inhabitants within the absence of a selected plan to deal with their immigration standing.
“I assist Dreamers,” stated Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla.
Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., stated he’s “definitely prepared to take part” in “a rational dialogue” with Democrats on immigration, however he didn’t sound optimistic it could result in something substantial.
“The Democratic place, if you drill right down to its necessities, is principally: Open the border. And for individuals who’ve already are available in illegally: Give them amnesty. And it’s not acceptable to me,” Kennedy, who sits on the Judiciary Committee that oversees immigration coverage, stated in an interview.
When requested if defending Dreamers is “amnesty,” Kennedy echoed a well-known dodge used by former President Bill Clinton.
“Well, it is determined by what the definition of is is,” Kennedy stated.
Asked what his definition of is is in the case of amnesty, Kennedy replied, “I don’t know, I gotta speak to President Clinton.”
