Dems Face Internal Debate Over DACA Deal with Republicans

AP

By Joe Crowe

January 11, 2018

Dems Face Internal Debate Over DACA Deal with Republicans

Democratic leaders could be facing disagreement in their ranks as they move toward a deal with Republicans on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program that would contain concessions to conservatives, Politico reported.

Negotiators in the Senate say they’re coming close to a bipartisan deal that ensures legal status for Dreamers in the DACA program, people who were brought by illegal immigrants to the U.S. as children.

The deal includes changes to family-based migration and the diversity lottery as well as increases in border security, the website reported.

House Democrats are concerned that leaders would even agree to discuss a deal that included more than just legal status for Dreamers. Combined with Republicans who take a hard line on immigration, the concerns put a DACA deal in jeopardy, Politico reported.

“We’re willing to give a little when it comes to border security, but we’re not willing to give away the whole hog and farm,” said Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., at a Tuesday meeting with Democratic leaders, the website reported.

“I believe we need to pass a ‘clean’ Dream Act… if we’re going to talk about, you know, all these other factors, then let’s just talk about comprehensive immigration reform,” said Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., the report said.

Minority caucuses and other liberals are calling on Democratic leaders to take a stand against additions to a DACA deal, while moderates and lawmakers vulnerable in the midterm elections are willing to consider the deal, Politico noted.

Senate negotiators believe that a deal that is close to being done would contain concessions from both Democrats and Republicans.

“We’ve got to get to 60 votes. In order to get to 60 votes, you’ve got to get a bipartisan bill. I don’t see any other game in town,” said Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., in the report.

Removing the visa lottery is an issue of contention with member of the congressional Hispanic and black caucuses, but some Democrats are preparing to support a DACA deal that they do not like, Politico reported.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he would not sign a DACA deal that did not include funding for a U.S.-Mexico border wall. “Security is number one — and, so, the answer is we have to have the wall,” Trump said.

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