On Tuesday, Republicans in the Senate increased the pressure on Democrats to agree with President Donald Trump’s plans for a wall on the border between Mexico and the US, as well as tougher immigration laws in general, to pass a bipartisan deal to help the young undocumented immigrants known as ‘Dreamers’.
Republican Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell has backed the legislation that would encompass the immigration reform demands of President Trump, which includes curbing US visas for the families of immigrants, ending the US diversity visa lottery program, and building the border wall. McConnell says that any Senator interested in making law rather than political points should also give it their support.
Democrats find the proposal to protect around 1.8 million Dreamers, young undocumented immigrants who came to the US as minors, the easiest to accept but are reluctant to provide funding for the border wall. Many lawmakers believe it is inefficient and too expensive as a method to prevent more undocumented immigrants from entering the country. On Monday night, the Senate began its first major debate on the immigration issue since 2013, with Republicans currently holding firm on the need for a bipartisan deal.
Interviewed by Fox News, Republican Senator, Tom Cotton, said that the immigration plan proposed by the President was more of a best and final offer than a starting point for negotiations. The comment contradicted Trump’s own recent social media posts, which show he may be willing to compromise on some points.