The White House released details on Thursday of what it characterizes as a compromise framework on immigration for lawmakers to accept or reject.
For the 1.8 million young immigrants living in the United States known as “Dreamers” — who were brought to the country by their families when they were still minors — there would be a long path to citizenship, with conditions.
For those recipients who have been allowed to stay in the U.S. under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, as well as others who met the same criteria, there would be a “10- to 12-year path to citizenship with requirement for work, education and good moral character.”
President Donald Trump, who provided a glimpse of the proposal the previous day, told reporters they should tell the Dreamers “not to worry.”
The White House Framework on Immigration Reform and Border Security was suddenly released by the Trump administration, four days earlier than had been scheduled.
Another element that is certain to come under intense scrutiny is the cost of the president’s core campaign promise: a $25 billion “trust fund” for a wall along the Mexican border, although that money would also be for other ports of entry and exit, and enhancements to the northern border with Canada.
Extended family migration (referred to as “chain migration” by some) — where immigrants can sponsor relatives who can then sponsor other family members — would be cut and only spouses and minor children of citizens and lawful permanent residents would be eligible.
The administration is also calling for ending the visa lottery system for certain countries.
This is “extremely generous,” according to a senior administration official.
“This is the president’s position. Then it goes to the Hill [Congress] and they digest it and develop a bill they think can pass,” said an official who spoke to reporters Thursday. “If it’s realistic, he’ll sign it. If not, he won’t.”
The White House is hoping the Senate will be able to vote on the plan early next month, before the February 8 deadline for lawmakers to approve a spending bill to keep the U.S. government operating.
Many opposition Democratic Party lawmakers, as well as some from the president’s Republican party, are opposed to voting for a long-term budget bill without a deal on immigration.
If there’s no legislation to deal with the DACA recipients by March 5, administration officials warned on Thursday that they will be considered “illegal immigrants” and those who come into contact with immigration officers will be processed for deportation.
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