There's little doubt that the issue of immigration will be on the minds of voters throughout next year's presidential elections. That's why I was somewhat surprised at how little time ABC dedicated to the issue during last night's third Democratic Presidential debate. But here's a recap of what each candidate said . . .
The Republican Study Committee's budget proposal for FY2020 suggests reducing low-skilled immigration, requiring all businesses to use E-Verify, and increasing both border and interior enforcement. The budget outline provides a starting point for House GOP lawmakers considering the committee is comprised of 140 Republican House Members, or more than 70% of the caucus.
Thanks to the feckless Republican leadership, President Trump is unlikely to get funding for his border “wall” or legislative solutions for the Southwest border crisis before the new Congress. Democrats are now firmly against even a bad deal like a DACA amnesty/wall funding trade. He will either have to veto the next continuing resolution, hoping the Democrats will change their mind, or rethink how he can win against a Democrat-controlled House and filibuster-limited Senate. Since a pre-Christmas shutdown is likely to produce only animosity, President Trump should think about re-branding his "wall" to increase public support for a broader solution next year.
The Trump Administration's "zero tolerance" policy for illegal border crossings will reduce illegal immigration. If Congress takes action, it can ensure that parents and children are kept together while they await the outcome of their cases. If the President wants to pursue a "zero tolerance" policy against criminal employers who knowingly hire unauthorized workers, he must support the inclusion of E-Verify as part of any necessary reform bill.
Last week U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services changed how it calculates unlawful presence for students and exchange visitors in F, J, and M nonimmigrant status who overstay a visa. Under a new memorandum, they will begin to accumulate "unlawful presence" days starting on the date their F, J, or M immigrant status expires. Under the old policy, they started accruing unlawful presence on the day USCIS discovered the violation.
ICE Council Pres. Chris Crane voiced the union's disapproval of the White House's proposed immigration framework in a letter to Pres. Trump on Friday, saying that it fails to address the trafficking and smuggling of minors across the border, immigration detainers, and sanctuary cities.
Pres. Trump once again called for an end to Chain Migration and the Visa Lottery in a meeting today with several Republican Senators who are negotiating with Democrats on DACA legislation. The President also called for an end to both programs over Twitter over the last week.
President Trump this evening released his much-awaited immigration policy "principles" that include an end to chain migration and a requirement for all businesses to use E-Verify to end the hiring of illegal workers. The administration says it is "ready to work with Congress to achieve three immigration policy objectives to ensure safe and lawful admissions; defend the safety and security of our country; and protect American workers and taxpayers."
In a statement issued after the administration announced it was rescinding the DACA executive amnesty, Pres. Trump said, "Congress now has the opportunity to advance responsible immigration reform that puts American jobs and American security first."
Visa overstaying remains a serious problem in the United States. 739,450 people overstayed their visas in 2016, and almost 630,000 remained in the U.S. by year’s end, according to a new DHS report. The actual number may be higher because the report does not cover foreign visitors who entered through a vehicular or land port of entry.