Trump held a meeting with members of Congress concerning the wall, and DACA, among other issues about immigration. Below are some of the reactions from Congress:
Senator Heidi Heitkamp - (D - ND)
“I always appreciate the opportunity to have bipartisan discussions at the White House to highlight North Dakota’s priorities, and today’s conversation was a forum to talk about the need to implement a strong border security strategy covering all of our borders and ports-of-entry – and a long-term solution for DACA recipients [DREAMers]. Border security is not just about the Southwest Border, and I’ve continued to reinforce my concerns about the need to secure the Northern Border and the role North Dakota can play in enhancing and strengthening security along all of our borders by using the innovative Unmanned Aircraft Systems technologies being developed in our state. It’s critical that we consider the needs of the Northern and maritime borders – and our airports – when developing any border security solutions.
“We must fix our country’s immigration system, and there is bipartisan agreement that those who were brought here as children should not shoulder the blame for inaction in Washington. DREAMers work in our businesses and are active members of our communities – and they help fill needed jobs and boost our local economies. Bipartisan talks have been underway for some time that I believe would provide strong border security measures while putting DREAMers on a more secure path forward in this country. ”
Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO)
“Today we had a productive meeting where we discussed the parameters of a bipartisan immigration deal, and thanks to this meeting I expect the pace of negotiations will increase.
“The President bringing Democrats and Republicans from the House and Senate together was an important step and I look forward to getting back to work with my colleagues to negotiate a bipartisan pathway forward.”
Senator Lindsey Graham - (R - SC)
“This was the most fascinating meeting I’ve been involved with in twenty plus years in politics. I very much appreciate President Trump’s attitude, demeanor, and desire to get something done that will make our nation more secure – while being fair to the Dreamers.
“President Trump has the right attitude. Now it is up to all of us in Congress to come up with a proposal that gets the job done.
“The American people overwhelmingly want better border security, a more modern immigration system, and to allow the Dreamers a new and better life. All we have to do is listen to the American people and enact their wishes. I hope and pray we can get that done.”
Senator Richard J. Durbin - (D - IL)
The President and every member of Congress in that room agreed on the urgent need to fix this DACA crisis now. Republicans laid out their four priorities, and Democrats laid out ours: the Dream Act. The next step is for bipartisan negotiators, who have already been working for months, to immediately reach an agreement that can pass both chambers and be signed into law by January 19th
Senator David Perdue (R-GA)
“President Trump, being an outsider and business guy, is driving consensus between Republicans and Democrats to fix our legal immigration system. Today’s White House meeting was to define the scope of this negotiation to include four items: solving the DACA situation, addressing border security, ending chain migration, and eliminating the outdated visa lottery. President Trump is trying to instill a sense of urgency to get something done on immigration, but this topic should not be part of funding the federal government. My personal focus continues to be on how we eliminate chain migration, which is a fundamental flaw in our current immigration policy. If any conversation about DACA is being held without that consideration, it is not going to go anywhere in the United States Senate. The first thing a DACA recipient will do if given permanent status is use chain migration laws to sponsor those who violated the law originally. Ending chain migration and eliminating the outdated visa lottery program is in our national security and economic interest. President Trump has done a great job making sure this remains a top priority in any immigration discussion.”
Reactions are still coming in, check back for updates!
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